Mixed grains with split peas, sunflower seeds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and dried fruit as a hen treat.
Ingredients
Bag of mixed grains (commercial scratch, or a base of cracked corn, wheat, barley and oats)
Dried split peas
Black oil sunflower seeds
Unsalted peanuts
Pumpkin seeds
Dried unsweetened cranberries or raisins (or both)
Cayenne pepper
Directions
Begin with bagged scratch, or a base of cracked corn, wheat, barley and oats.
Mix in the split peas, sunflower seeds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit and cayenne.
Use roughly equal amounts of each.
Keep in a large covered container.
Notes
Feed only in cold months, just before bedtime: about 10% of the diet, roughly a tablespoon per chicken. Toss into leaves, pine needles or straw so the birds forage.Safety: scratch is high in fat and carbs and not balanced, too much makes hens overweight. Keep it away from dogs if it includes raisins.