We have recently got our chickens, who appear to have settled in nicely. Already laying and seem contented. My question is that, as expected, the run has become a bit muddy. Does any body know if it is okay to lay down some bark peices (like the stuff you get from garden centres etc.) over areas of the run? Will this do any harm to 'The Girls'?

Also, please can someone advise me on the sorts of scraps we can give them and the best way to feed these?

Thank you.

(I LOVE this site, it has been so useful)

Hi there i used to dump a couple of bales of easibed down in the winter

Ive used bark, the girls love it as it keeps damp and the worms and wood lice love it, therefore my girls love it Saying that whatever I put down the girls scratch it up

Scraps, admittedly I mostly make mine especially for my little girls (cos I am soft lol )

• Veg peelings (but not potatoes), just scattered on the run floor
• Boiled root veg (potatoes, carrots, swede, parsnip, celeriac etc), mashed up then mixed in with some layers mash, maybe some garlic paste or poultry spice
• Left over rice, pasta and spaghetti, given as it is
• Tinned sweetcorn (mine would peck your arms off for this)
• Stale or left over bread, or toast soaked in warm water, mixed with a large spoon full of marmite and thickened up with layers mash. Gives them energy in the cold months. Any bread you give them should be soaked first, so it won't cause a blockage in the crop.
• Porriage oats made with water, obviously no sugar or salt. Mine like it with dried friut mixed in

I am sure there is many more, but can't think at the mo If you follow the golden rules of No added fat, No meat products, No Citrus, No salt or sugar and never give them raw potatoes then you should be fine

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Thanks
Lea

http://www.vanityfurgrooming.co.uk/

Hello again!!

Thank you, the advice about the ground covering is really helpful.

It seems there are a lot of treats I can give to 'The Girls' and I will make note of the golden rules you mentioned as well.

Thanks again!

Take care