Feeding my Hens & Chickens

Still a wee bit worried about “layers pellets only”?
To put this in perspective. Although it is important during the pol period, you would not be expected to follow your hens about. In the garden they will be curious and try out lots of “bits and pieces” and this is ok. Wee bugs, worms etc bits of grass and greenery  all that is ok…..chunks of your chocolate cakes and buckets of grain is not.

What about vegetables and greenery?
Cabbages, lettuce, neeps (turnips), large stems of spring and winter greens your mature hens will love them. In each of these cases it is better to hang them up whole in the house or run. They will quickly demolish them and at the same time keep them interested.

Potatoes and vegetable peelings and kitchen scraps?
It is recommended these are boiled. You could also mix with a little boiled rice, pasta or such. Especially in the colder, frosty mornings. No need to make it a big occasion for the hens….pop it warm into a big bowl and leave them to it.

Wheat mix corn etc do I put this in a separate container, or mix with the layers pellets?
Neither. It is best to supply any of these things mentioned above in the late afternoon or early evening. If you put some grain in a metal container and rattle it your hens will soon come running. Scatter a few handfuls around the garden….the hens will love it….and love you  for providing it.

If they like these things so much, can I give my laying hens this all the time?
For the reasons giving earlier…NO. ….Layers pellets or layers meal only.

What is this layers meal is this new?
Both meal and pellets have the same nutrient value. Decide what you think is better/easier for you and your hens, but don’t chop and change. Most poultry people like us prefer using the pellets. On the basis it is cleaner and more convenient.

Is there then no reason for using layers meal?
It is said, because it is finer, (smaller in size, as opposed to the pellets) the hens take longer to eat this and it keeps them more interested and occupied.

How much do fully grown hens eat and should I ration them?
Grown hens eat around 125 gms, or (4 oz.) per day. Don’t ration them , or weigh this out.

This question around “keeping them occupied” is this a problem?
This FAQ. Is directed towards people who may want a few garden hens as pets and to provide fresh eggs for their selves and maybe their family. With this kind of freedom, love and attention boredom will not be a problem.

Where do I buy layers feed.?
Initially it would be sensible to buy of the person who supplied your hens.And this means a continuity of standard and quality. That said, buying good quality fed the standard will be consistent. Maybe your supplier, like us will give an ongoing discount for their customers who have bought hens from them.

Does feed go off quickly.
No if stored in the right conditions…….Dry in a metal or strong vermin proof container it will keep a long time. Damp or wet, it will go off quickly.

......link to........FAQ......feeders & drinkers.