[Ice]

I've been searching for a definitive answer to the question of when and what to give the hens as treats.  I understand the need to give layers pellets throughout the day and to give treats in the evening.

But, when it comes to greenstuff like cabbage and dandelions (it's good to find a use for them), and worms I'm still not sure.  Can I give them ad lib throughout the day? 

I dont dare let them out in the daytime to roam in the garden as my neighbour has had a very recent daylight attack.  I also use the distraction throughout the day to help with the feather plucking that one of them seems to do, but not very often.  When I'm around they are on their best behaviour.

My hens are pol.

[grumpydad]

ours have nothing but layers until the afternoon.
cooked vegetables, greens and anything that they can get from the garden by scratching about is ok.
we class treats as grapes, tomatoes corn on the cob, and give something late afternoon, and some mixed corn after tea, just before they go to bed, but dont give anything before mid afternoon.

martyn

[poultrygeist]

I always keep them in their run all morning, then let them onto the grass (threadbare) for the afternoon and evening. They pop back in for pellets but the grass/greens seem to get them by ok.
I would give greens as much as you want. 

If you can hang the cabbage up, it can keep them occupied and distract from pecking each other, which can be due to boredom (among other thigns).

Rob

[Ice]

That's great.  I do give the greens as a way to keep them stimulated and I hang a cabbage up but so far they ignore it.  They only seem to realise it's food when it's on the ground.   The worms go down like an Italian eating spaghetti. 

[Roughlee Handled]

One thing.
A fat hen never lays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ice]

It's not an "all you can eat" buffet, it's the occasional treat to keep them happy.

[Roughlee Handled]

Er if you say so.
But you better disconect the bell that you have set up for them when they are feeling peckish.

[Ice]

How did you know I had a bell?   

[Roughlee Handled]

Just a guess.  Though we all had them.  Well thats what they demanded anyway.

[Ice]

I filled the drinkers with Evian, but they demanded Volvic.  What can you do.

[Roughlee Handled]

Give em perrrier.

[dizzylizzie]

...dont you find the bubbles get up their nose a bit?

[grumpydad]

have you been spying on what we do ? how do you know ? do you work for Big Brother ?
lol

martyn

[Ice]

We know everything.

[nzdunn]

my cheeky mares peck on the back door every morning for their grapes, thought it was funny at first  :blink:, they get their mixed corn before bed time, mine wont entertain greens as in cabbage etc, they prefer the massive garden full of grass, snails and worms, mine are excellant worm hunters.   Nickyx