[darren64]

Is it ok to feed chickens corn flakes or other leftover cereals that have milk on them?

[ManicMum]

People have, for centuries, fed their hens on household scraps. 

This was not always a balanced diet & therefore the laying may have been affected.  I think that, provided the chickens have unrestricted access to a balanced diet (most easily delivered as layers pellets or mash, a little bit of almost anything is no bad thing as it adds variety to their lives.

However, it needs to be in proportion to the number of birds...... a spoonful for a couple of chickens, a bowlful if there are 50.....

[darren64]

People have, for centuries, fed their hens on household scraps. 

This was not always a balanced diet & therefore the laying may have been affected.  I think that, provided the chickens have unrestricted access to a balanced diet (most easily delivered as layers pellets or mash, a little bit of almost anything is no bad thing as it adds variety to their lives.

However, it needs to be in proportion to the number of birds...... a spoonful for a couple of chickens, a bowlful if there are 50.....

yeah mine do have full access to layer pellets.

[ANHBUC]

Not sure if chickens digestive system can cope with milk.  I was going to give mine some cornflakes that were just out of date until I noticed they have salt and other additives in them.

[Lindeggs]

Check the pack for salt and sugar.  If salt is less than 1% it should be fine.  But just be aware that corn flakes are not adding many nutrients to the diet so effectively they are 'junk food' for chickens.  Unless they are 'fortified' with vitamins and minerals?  I know that happens a lot in the US.

I would be interested in seeing the nutritional analysis on a cornflake packet.

[helens-hens]

Also I am sure I have read on some thread here in the past that hens are lactose intolerant. As lactose is effectively the sugar found naturally in milk I would be wary about letting them have too much.

[ANHBUC]

Check the pack for salt and sugar.  If salt is less than 1% it should be fine.  But just be aware that corn flakes are not adding many nutrients to the diet so effectively they are 'junk food' for chickens.  Unless they are 'fortified' with vitamins and minerals?  I know that happens a lot in the US.

I would be interested in seeing the nutritional analysis on a cornflake packet.

Here you are www.kelloggs.co.uk/products/cornflakes/Cereal/corn_flakes.aspx just click on the Product Details.

[darren64]

I will probably just throw any leftover corn flakes in the bin.

[Lindeggs]

Thanks ANHBUC, very interesting reading!  So they are mostly maize and sugar, and do have a lot of added vitamins and minerals.
7% protein isn't great but nor is it terrible.
0.5% salt is fine.

I think you would need to feed a lot of corn flakes (or a lot of milk) before you had any ill effects.  I would say small amounts of corn flakes, as part of a balanced diet, should be fine for a healthy hen.  Just my opinion.

[ANHBUC]

Don't think I would like them to get used to sugar.  They could end up like a petulant child refusing to eat proper food and screaming for sweet treats!!!