[sussexchook]

im relativly new at keeping hens but ive been feeding mine a mixture of layer pellets and mixed corn should i feed them the corn all the time?

[arugula]

The corn should be fed as a treat. You can still feed it every day, depending on how many birds you have the odd handful thrown down for them to scratch for, best done in the afternoon.

[sussexchook]

i have 5 birds 2 ex battery type hens a buff orpington and 2 light sussex hen and cock i need to get rid of the cock lol but he hasnt started crowing yet so ill keep him for now ive had him since 2 days old

[Tony H]

That is the 6 miillion dolla question   most keepers on this site prefure layers pellets because it contains everythink chucks need, if you log onto "Down the lane chicken keeping site they faver a 50/50 mix with odd treats ( ie boiled potato peelings) as long as they are getting a balanced diet to keep them well i dont think it realy matters what you feed   layers pellets were origanaly developed for battery hens who need all the vittams and antibiotics they are made with, because of the hens lifestyle in tiny cages chuck cannot suppliment there diet   chucks have been kept for many years and there are as many differing opinions on the subject  :blink:

[sussexchook]

they seem to be happy il just have to keep an eye on it they should be ok

[Sassy]

That is the 6 miillion dolla question   most keepers on this site prefure layers pellets because it contains everythink chucks need, if you log onto "Down the lane chicken keeping site they faver a 50/50 mix with odd treats ( ie boiled potato peelings) as long as they are getting a balanced diet to keep them well i dont think it realy matters what you feed   layers pellets were origanaly developed for battery hens who need all the vittams and antibiotics they are made with, because of the hens lifestyle in tiny cages chuck cannot suppliment there diet   chucks have been kept for many years and there are as many differing opinions on the subject  :blink:

There should not be ANY medication in layers pellets! Layers have been designed to provide all that a chicken needs to lay eggs and lead a healthy life - foodwise at least. Mixed corn does not provide everything. If you mix corn and pellets to feed the chooks will pig out on the corn and scatter much of the feed onto the ground in the process wasting it and possibly creating a health hazard. If you put sweets and vegetables on a plate for a child what will they eat first?and may be only eat the sweets.

[NormandyMary]

I probably break every rule in the book, but I was told to do this when I first got chooks 6 years ago. I mix up in equal proportions, layers pellets, corn and crushed maize which I store in airtight containers. Also to that, I add crushed oyster shell, especially now, as the girls dont get to free range all over the garden. Ive always had great eggs and the girls have been on the whole, incredibly healthy. Im sure that if I just put down the layers for them now, I'd have a mutiny on my hands. Jethro the cockerel wouldnt be too happy either!!!