Topic of the Week - Feeding Chickens in Winter

[BYC Project Manager]

Nutrition needs can change in colder months. This week, let’s share tips and insights on winter feeding for chickens. For example:

• Do you provide extra feed or change their diet in winter?
• What are your favorite winter treats or supplements to boost energy and health?
• How do you balance protein and carbohydrates during colder months?
• What role do warm mashes or soaked feeds play in your winter care routine?

Anything else you'd like to add.

 

[Debbie292d]

The only real difference in feeding our silkies during the winter months is I make them warm things to eat, like oatmeal, as a treat about once a week. I also make them a mash treat with warm water in a bowl of their crumbles. They think that's a treat too.

For either of the above, things can be added for more nutrition. I turn to our our @BYC Project Manager's article on the Top 50 Herbs for Your Chickens and pick out a couple of things to add. At a minimum, a little cinnamon is almost always surely to be found in anything I make for them.

In the summer, we grow kale for them, and in the winter, we'll pick up a bunch of it weekly from the grocery store as a treat. They sure love it!

In the winter I also ferment grains in quart jars and make it so there's a jar to share between pens about twice a week. If anyone thought about making ferment but it seems a little confusing, let me know. It's very easy or I wouldn't do it.