feeding apples and baked goods to chickens

lisa's garden · #1 10/05/10, 03:58 PM

I scored a big bag of free windfall apples from a local orchard to feed to my chickens. I gave a bunch to the laying hens and a few to the meat chickens. Just wondering if anyone knows if the apples will fill them up without producing as much meat as the high protein crumbles?

I also called the local grocery store and they will start saving their old produce for me. I will start picking up 3 times a week, starting tomorrow! I am considering calling their bakery section and maybe even the meat section, but was wondering if the baked goods would just gum up their crops...any info would be much appreciated!

WstTxLady · #2 10/05/10, 05:14 PM

I wouldn't use it solely for their diet but its good to give them as treats or extras. Not sure about meat birds, I just have layers. And I give them anything and everything from bread to cookies to fruit & veggies. I just don't do it to close to roost, so that they have enough grit to grind what is in the crop overnight.

Cyngbaeld · #3 10/05/10, 05:15 PM

They will enjoy the produce and the baked goods, HOWEVER, you must watch their protein intake. Don't drop it below 16%, and 18% is better.

What I do is buy the 26-28% protein gamebird feed and free feed corn on the side. I do this because I have a range of birds that don't require the same feeds. They balance out to an overall protein level of about 18%. If you drop too low, the meat birds won't gain adequately and the hens won't lay very well.

lisa's garden · #4 10/06/10, 09:24 AM

Thanks for the input!

PrincessFerf · #5 10/06/10, 11:57 AM

I agree with what previous posters have said. All of my birds free range (meaning they have outside time everyday, even if they're in a protected run). I give them fruits, veggies and baked goods only as a treat. Especially baked goods since there isn't much nutrition in most. I don't feed by birds onions, garlic or other spices, just out of personal preference.

I find that when I limit the layers time eating grasses, I get more eggs.

Our meat birds gobble up their regular feed first, so I don't mind them eating all the grasses they want in their tractor.