Supplements to Keep Your Flock Healthy and Happy: Cracked Corn, Oyster Shells, and More
by Amber G
Published October 9, 2024
There are many different supplements we can use to keep our flock happy and healthy. Let’s chat about them a little more in-depth, so you can make the best decisions for your birds!
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is a great tool to help keep your chickens warm in the winter! It is high in carbohydrates, allowing your chickens to create more energy by boosting their metabolism, and enabling them to keep themselves warm. Cracked corn spread in the run or outdoors where your chickens spend their time, can encourage foraging as well. Just be sure to feed in moderation, as it does not provide all the nutrients needed for a well-balanced diet.
Oyster Shells
Oyster Shells are a great supplement to add to your laying hens diet. They will give a great boost of calcium needed to make those nice, hard eggshells. Nice strong eggshells can even help with making sure bacteria doesn’t get inside of the eggs. In addition, improved bone health is another great benefit of adding oyster shells to your bird’s diet.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is such a versatile product to use with your flock. One great way to use DE is to include a small amount in the dust bath. It can help prevent mites and lice in your birds. You can also add small amounts to the nesting boxes and around your coop to help control pests naturally! Another potential use is adding it to your flock’s feed. Some even claim that it can aid in preventing intestinal parasites in birds. Keep in mind, if you do use diatomaceous earth, ensure you purchase FOOD GRADE only.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Adding some ACV to your waterers can have some excellent benefits for your flock. It can help prevent algae buildup in your waterers, can help increase your flock’s calcium absorption, and can even help with the smell of their waste. It can also help keep respiratory tracts clear and it promotes good digestive bacteria. Be sure not to use ACV in metal containers as it can cause corrosion and as always, use it in moderation. Check out more information about Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Bolster Your Flock!
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds are a great way to boost the energy in your flock. They are high in fat and protein content and make for a wonderful treat for your bids. They also have a thin shell, so it is relatively easy for chickens to get them open. It’s a little bit of entertainment and nutrition for you flock. With the high-fat content of black oil sunflower seeds, be sure to treat your chickens only from time to time.
Grit
Grit is an essential thing for your flock to have. In order to digest all of the food (and other things) they eat, they require grit to break everything down inside their crop. Without grit, chickens can end up with blockages or digestive issues, as they don’t have teeth to break down their meals. Most free-ranging birds will pick up enough small pebbles in foraging to assist with this, but offering grit is still recommended.
Scratch Block and Scratch Grains
Scratch grains or a scratch are a great way to keep your birds entertained and to encourage foraging. Throw a handful in the grass where you want them to forage and watch them go! It can also provide a nice boost of nutrients, such as calcium and protein. They are also a great way to keep your birds warm, as they provide heat while being digested. Providing scratch grains in the winter months can also be a great source of entertainment and add some variety.
There are many things you can do to enrich the lives of your flock. These are just a few great things to add to their diet and into your coop, to make sure you are giving them a healthy and enjoyable life.
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