[Clareg]

Hi

Please could you help me, are greens fed to hens as a necessity or a treat?

My hens do not free range around the garden, they have 2 runs.  A smaller run which they are in during the time I am at work, and a larger run which they are let into once I return home.

They have access to their layer pellets all day long.

Late afternoon/early evening I will throw some greenery into the run. I vary what I give to them (freshly snipped grass, carrot tops, green vegetables (raw/cooked), dandelion leaves).

Is this greenery that I am giving them a treat or is it part of their daily required diet?

I have been googling this and have confused myself! 

I have ordered flubenvet in order to worm the hens and have read online that you should not feed treats whilst in the worming process.  I am trying to establish if I should continue to feed the greens whilst I am worming them.


Many thanks in advance for your help/advice 

[3Bluebelles]

I think that layers pellets give them all the nutrition they need, with access to oyster shell and grit to help with shell production and healthy digestion, so greens would be a treat.

And I have also heard that you should lay off all treats while worming them to make sure you don't have one who just eats the treats and doesn't get the full dose.

Sounds like you are doing just fine.

Just be careful with the grass as if too long it can get stuck in their crop and turn sour, and goes off very quickly if left on the floor. I would stick to leaves, carrot tops, etc in future if I was you.

All the best.

[rachelr]

yes everything that is not layers is a treat. I give mine some at the end of the day same as you.

I also give them mixed corn

good luck
ps they will sulk for a few days when you dont give them treats