![]() ![]() Scratch scattered around the coop or run will also give the birds something to do and keep them occupied. The best sources are what you would find in chicken scratch. I also put vitamins in their water because I think that silkies need that extra amount of nutrients.Ĭarbohydrate treats help to keep your birds warm especially on exceptionally cold days. Add Oyster shell to the feed for eggshell development. This is what they should be eating most of the day. These basic feeds are created to give your bird the correct amount of vitamins and minerals that they need. I think that silkies benefit all year round from that higher 24% protein. I like to feed mine a Gamebird feed which has a higher percent of protein. ![]() Some people have their hens on layer food which has calcium in it. The most important thing to remember when feeding in the winter is to make sure that they are getting plenty of their regular, nutritious feed. Instead they will be increasing their feed consumption in their feeding bowls. If they were free rangers they no longer have access to free food in the form of bugs and greens. They have to generate body heat to keep themselves from freezing. They are also using more energy in order to keep warm in the winter. This increase in food consumption is due to the fact that they are coming off of their fall molt and need energy to regrow feathers. You will notice an increase in your feed bill and you will be filling those feeding dish more often. As winter approaches, a chicken’s feed consumption will be 1.5 times the amount they eat in the spring and summer. Hens that are laying eggs need extra protein all year round and its not just the right kind of food but the right amount of food that is important as well. ![]() They do not like snow and in Minnesota their chance of finding bugs is slim to none. In the winter, however, there are limited opportunities to free range. They are so happy and content and their minds are fully occupied. During nice weather, chickens love to forage and free range in the pasture looking for the choicest bits of protein and green roughage. Feeding chickens in the winter is a little different than feeding chickens during the rest of the year. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |