[freda]

can anyone suggest household scraps suitable for treats - I have left over mash from todays dinner but hesitated giving to my girls - they could really do with some comfort food as it has been -2 and -3 during the day over the last couple of days.

[SnooziSuzi]

In this cold weather mine like muesli or oats; it helps to keep them warm and they like scratching around to find all of the bits  

[freda]

do you serve as you would yourself (oats and muesli)- milk and warm - or dry?! Sorry this seems like a really daft question  :oops: but am always learning something new on this fabulous forum!

[richyrich7]

None they are quite hardy.
but corn is slow to digest and keeps them warmer, last thing about 1/2 hour before they roost give them about 1/2 handful per bird of mixed corn, in the summer about 1/4 per bird.
You'd be better off making sure there are no drafts but good ventilation and perhaps a smear of vaseline on the combs and wattles on very cold nights.

[mumsy]

Mine have porridge oats made with water on very cold mornings,  served warm, also cooked veg peelings, soaked bread, greens, any left over veg/pots, unless the dogs get it first Mixed corn just before bed


PS they don't get these in one go BTW  Just when available  Always have corn though

[kimT]

Our girls love their treats...................mashed or baked spuds go down well also tomatoes, grapes, apples, pasta, rice a little bread too and they also love a fresh cabbage hanging up to peck at.

Did someone say my girls are spoilt???

[Blarney]

My four are currently tucking into a warm bowl of mash potato, potato peelings, carrots, pasta and cabbage.  Their favourite treat is a bowl of bread which has been soaked in milk and microwaved for a minute.  They go absolutely mad over that.

[For clucks sake]

Is it alright to give them dry oats? Mine don't like wet things like mash.

I thread sprouts on a wire like beads and fasten  them to the netting. They also like apples this way. If they fall on the ground they usually get buried.

I think I spoil them.

[SnooziSuzi]

I give mine dry oats as well as soaked in warm water and they've never complained either way  

[Big Jen]

Try this- mine love it

Put mixed corn in a big bowl, pour a kettle of boiling water over it.
Cover with a tea towel and leave to stand for an hour or so and drain surplus water.
It softens the corn and they love it still warm.

Mine also like meal worms and sunflower hearts

BJ

[For clucks sake]

Thanks for your ideas. I tried the oats and layer pellets in warm water which they ate very quickly.

[princesspoultry]

can anyone suggest household scraps suitable for treats - I have left over mash from todays dinner but hesitated giving to my girls - they could really do with some comfort food as it has been -2 and -3 during the day over the last couple of days.

   My hens favorite treats are Noodles,Lettuce and Tomatoes.

[princesspoultry]

Some one told me to give my hens bread soaked in milk. Has anyone ever done/heard of that?

[Oliveview]

I had 2 cartons of long life cream opened in the fridge (can´t eat now  cos of the healthy eating regime) so I gave them to the  hens.  
I broke up the bread and poured the cream over it then added hot water, mashed it all down with a fork and then presented it to the girls.......... the dish was all but licked clean
Not sure what they will get for their treat tomorrow, might have to cook chick peas  I like to give them a warming meal when it is cold.
Pamela

[SnooziSuzi]

mine will be getting some warmed up muesli again tomorrow; they can't get enough!