Grain feeding?

[Forget-me-Not]

Hi,

My hens aren't on any grain. (three Isa's hopefully POL at last)Should they be? They have layers pellets and some grit and greens etc from veg patch, plus they love a bit of pasta and worms. They all seem very healthy, OK still not laying yet but Annabelle crouched down when I went in the run yesteday morning. So things improving hopefully.

FMN

[roitelet]

As long as they are eating the layers pellets they will be fine. Grain is a bit of a treat. In the winter I always give them a bit of cracked Maize before bedtime to make sure that they are full and keep warm during the night. This time of year they only get it when I remember. Too much grain will make them fat and put them off laying.

It's a case of a good mixed diet and not too much of anything. Best of luck.

[Birdie Wife]

They don't need grain this time of year, as roitlet says. In the winter it's a good thing to give them before bedtime as it provides a bit of heat through the night, being energy rich digested quite slowly. This time of year when it's quite warm it isn't necessary. As an aside, I think the reason your hen was crouching was because she sees you as the boss, which would usually be the cockerel in the flock, and er how do I put this, she's offering you a 'ride'!