by Gwen Butler
•
14 November 2019
I have been reading lots of posts on social media recently about how to care for chickens in winter. I am genuinely surprised about the amount of people who give corn as a main feed. I have always given my hens layers pellets as a staple food, this gives a completely healthy nutritionally balanced diet. During the winter months I do supplement this with some corn in the afternoon. I have found Marriages royal variety mixed corn to be very good. It is packed full of goodness, this feed is a treat that should be fed in the afternoon occasionally, once the birds have eaten the pellets or mash offered in the morning. It helps to provide warmth during the night. COMPOSITION: Wheat, Cut Maize, Barley, Poultry Grit, Red Dari, Cut Peas, Black Sunflower, Carrot Flakes and Rapeseed Oil. I also give my hens a bit of extra help with Agrivite Poultry drink which is a high energy mineral supplement and r ich in iron. It is especially recommended for any birds recovering from a mite infestation, also supports poultry during moulting and any birds not looking in the peak of health. It is very easy to use, just add to drinking water. Cleaning and maintenance is also very important, a good routine of disinfecting and ground sanitising is best. I personally use Vikron S which is a DEFRA approved disinfectant and either Agrisec or Net tex ground sanitiser.