The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Q on November 11, 2021, 07:20:46 pm

Title: Growing corn for chickens
Post by: Q on November 11, 2021, 07:20:46 pm

I didnt really expect to have to ask this but google didnt help..

I was given a half cob of sweetcorn last year on the basis that it wasn't an F1 variety and a promise that the husk wasn't as tough as UK sweetcorn and had a much better taste...

Yeah well, I planted it thinking anything left would go to the chickens..  but the stuff is not to my liking at all and chicken feed it is then.

I had about 120 plants that grew well and approx 2 large cobs from each plant I now have about 6kg of sweetcorn to feed to approx 30 chickens.

Question 1..  I am happy to ( let my OH ) sit and pick off the corn from the cob but then should I just let it dry                                 and feed it or do I chop it (like it is in mixed feed).

Question 2.. would it be better to freeze it for freshness rather than let it dry.

Question 3.. I am thinking of planting a similar amount for next year( could do more ) - is this a good strategy for supplementing chicken food in the first place or should I aim for an occasional handful for treats.

Title: Re: Growing corn for chickens
Post by: Penninehillbilly on November 11, 2021, 07:56:36 pm

Sorry, I can't advise on the feeding, but I'm envious of you being able to grow it, no luck with mine even in the polytunnel.  :(

Title: Re: Growing corn for chickens
Post by: Richmond on November 11, 2021, 09:16:39 pm

As you should always feed sweetcorn sparingly (it is very heating and fattening) the best option is to freeze it, then once a week AS A TREAT ONLY defrost a couple of cobs and throw them into the pen whole. The chickens will pick them clean in no time.

Title: Re: Growing corn for chickens
Post by: Q on November 12, 2021, 06:50:58 am

Quote from: Richmond on November 11, 2021, 09:16:39 pm

As you should always feed sweetcorn sparingly (it is very heating and fattening) the best option is to freeze it, then once a week AS A TREAT ONLY defrost a couple of cobs and throw them into the pen whole. The chickens will pick them clean in no time.

Yes I was thinking this way. Its less volume to freeze if its taken off the cob.
For treats 6kg is plenty for 30 chickens through the year.

Title: Re: Growing corn for chickens
Post by: Perris on November 12, 2021, 07:01:07 am

Current nutritional thinking on this (with references) is given on feedipedia (It's called ear maize on feedipedia) https://www.feedipedia.org/node/713  Specifics for poultry are given in the bottom half of the second tab page.

Title: Re: Growing corn for chickens
Post by: Q on November 12, 2021, 08:03:14 am

thanks for the feedipedia link - treats it is then..