Spelt - can i feed it to chooks?

[Cj2512]

Hi all

My friend has a load of unused spelt grain that he has asked me if I want for the chooks. Has anyone fed this to their chickens before? I feed mine on layers pellets with a daily handful of corn - could I replace the corn with the spelt maybe? It's in date as he has just used it to make beer from.

Thanks so much

 

[chrismahon]

As 'spelt' is the origin of modern wheat versions, I would say yes Cj2512. It will be about 8% protein I think so should be given in moderation, otherwise the overall balance of their diet will become deficient in protein and your hens will stop laying. A wheat only diet is used to stop hens from laying, either for medical reasons or for showing. You say you are replacing corn, which is very fattening and will also stop your hens from laying.

 

[Cj2512]

Thanks chrismahon for your reply. I only give them a little corn in the afternoon so I was thinking as the spelt is free I'd give them that instead as their afternoon treat. I'll only give them a handful between the two - although they'll probably turn their beaks up at it as my two seem to Be quite fussy - so hopefully that won't mess up their laying.

Thanks again for the info