Eric was starving today lying on the couch with his badly sprained ankle, waiting for me to make some lunch like I had promised. He was not impressed to see that the 5 potatoes I had cooked in the microwave were for the hens! This prompted me to post what I feed the girls, which after reading I realised they may be a little spoiled!
The weather has turned pretty bad here in the last few days, gale winds and long blustery days have left the hens soaking wet (they look so cute when they’ve been out in the rain) and also their defences a little down. Thats why I’m giving the girl’s apple cider vinegar, to boost their systems.
Every morning, they girls start the day off with a trough full of warm weetabix and oats. Instead of milk, I pour hot water over everything enough to soak the oats and wet the weetabix. Its been pretty cold in the mornings lately and they come running out of the coop when they hear me coming in the mornings for their porridge. The heat helps keep them warm, sometimes because they are so sick of being ‘cooped up’ without fresh air and sunlight, they stay out even when its lashing rain. They get soaked to the bone so at least I know they had a warm breakfast. Also, I can hardly run out and dry them with a towel! 
)
As well as the above, I give the hens a mandatory helping of layers pellets. This provides all the nutrients they need for laying and something to peck at when all the goodies are gone.
As well as the warm breakfast, I’ve been treating them occasionally to a warm supper. This is nothing special! Don’t start thinking I’m crazy, but its important to look after hens in Winter. They start to molt and it can be a very stressful time for them.
A quick and easy treat I would give is beans and bread.
Another wee recipe I cooked up is as follows:-
Potatoes, oil, boiled eggs and herbs.
Heres all the ingredients I used.
End ups looking like this:-
When I brought it out to the hens they went nutty natz for it!
