How much seaweed meal to put in chickens porridge?

Question

I have 3 chickens who have about 3 cups of warm porridge in a bowl every morning. I have bought some seaweed meal to put in, Just wondering how much seaweed meal do I put in their porridge?

Answer 1

Porridge fills your hens up and won't allow them to take in the essential nutrients that is in good quality layers mash/meal/pellets. It's OK to give them small amounts on very cold winter mornings occasionally to give them the extra energy to keep warm but I wouldn't do this every day throughout the year.

You risk them becoming overweight and out of condition if you continue to feed them the 3 cup porridge servings every day. This can lead to reduction in egg production and increases their chances of becoming ill.

As a rule you should allow them to feed on the layers mash/meal/pellets in the morning and then if you wish to give them treats you should dish them out later in the afternoon and only occasionally (once or twice a week).

The seaweed meal is a good source of minerals and nutrients such as iodine etc and should also deepen the colour of the yolk. I tend to just scatter the meal around their pen as this keeps them occupied and I also provide a little dish for them to visit every now and then. Mine only eat very small amounts of the seaweed at a time so if you want to add this to porridge, I sprinkle a pinch in each cup.

Answer 2

Goodness...I'm sure a cup of porridge each day is not very good at all for your hens.

If they are laying they should be on layers mash or pellets and fresh pasture [occasionally with a little corn and grit]  as this contains all the minerals, nutrients and fibre they need to remain healthy and produce plenty of delicious eggs.

Porridge is OK as an occasional treat but shouldn't form part of their daily diet. It will certainly fill them up and I'm sure they love it but even adding nutritious seaweed wont really make it healthy for them.

Take a look on-line and I doubt if you will find anyone recommending a diet of Ready Brek for healthy hens :o)

Good Luck