{"title":"Mixed corn for chickens","description":"\u003cp\u003eMixed corn is the scratch feed chickens come running for: a mix of whole and cracked grains that you scatter on the ground, so the birds start scratching and foraging. It is an addition to layers feed, not a replacement. In this collection you will find, among others, Wierikx Kippenvoer Gemengd Graan, Wierikx cracked maize, Kasper Faunafood Multigrain for poultry and De Vries Kippenvoer Deluxe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eMixed corn, maize or multigrain?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMixed corn:\u003c\/strong\u003e a varied mix that encourages natural foraging behaviour. Handy as a daily afternoon treat.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCracked maize:\u003c\/strong\u003e energy-rich and popular, especially useful in cold spells. Feed it in moderation, because a lot of maize quickly makes chickens too fat.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMultigrain:\u003c\/strong\u003e a mix of different grains for those who want a bit more variety in the grain.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarge breeds handle whole grains easily. For bantams and young hens, a finer mix or cracked maize is easier to eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and when to scatter grain\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe best time is the afternoon or early evening. The chickens have already eaten their layers feed, and they go into the night with a full crop. Do not scatter more than the flock clears up in a quarter of an hour; whatever is left attracts rats and pigeons. In a muddy run, you are better off giving the grain in a low trough than on the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause chickens grind whole grains in their gizzard, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grit-and-oyster-shell\"\u003egrit\u003c\/a\u003e always belongs with grain. If they forage on bare ground, they often find small stones themselves, but in a run with sand or paving, put out grit separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePoints to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrain contains little calcium and protein. If you give too much of it, hens leave their \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/layers-pellets-and-mash\"\u003elayers pellets or layers mash\u003c\/a\u003e and shell quality can decline. So keep grain as a treat. Store it in a sealed bin; an open sack in the shed soon becomes a feeding station for mice. Looking for other treats? See \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mealworms-and-chicken-treats\"\u003emealworms and treats\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/peck-blocks-and-chicken-toys\"\u003epeck blocks\u003c\/a\u003e. All types of feed are together under \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-feed-and-treats\"\u003echicken feed and treats\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much grain do you give chickens per day?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs much as the flock eats in about a quarter of an hour. Layers feed remains the main meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs cracked maize good for chickens?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs an extra, yes, especially in winter. A lot of maize does make chickens heavy quickly, so keep it to a handful.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to give grit with grain?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, grit helps the gizzard grind whole grains. Put it out separately if your chickens find few natural stones.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.fidello.co.uk\/collections\/mixed-corn-for-chickens.oembed","provider":"Fidello","version":"1.0","type":"link"}