When Can Chickens Start Eating Whole Grains?

[FeatheredFriend]

Hey, fellow chicken keepers!

I bake sourdough bread and mill my own flour, so I have a variety of grains on handwheat, rice, barley, oats, rye, and more. Id love to start giving my flock some whole grains as treats, especially since a few of my birds are a bit flighty, and I want them to associate me with good things!

At what age can chickens safely handle whole, uncracked grains? Should I keep cracking larger ones like corn for longer? Also, Ive heard about fermenting grainsdo they handle fermented whole kernels better at a younger or older age compared to dry ones?

Would love to hear your experiences!

Thanks in advance!

[EggsAndThings]

Whole grains are fine as long as they have grit! I usually introduce them gradually, starting with smaller grains and working up to larger ones.

[CoopConnoisseur]

Fermented grains are awesome! I've found my chickens take to them better than dry ones, and they seem to digest them more easily, even when young.

[Eggcentric]

I give my flock whole grains as soon as they start free-ranging. If they're pecking at bugs and plants, they can usually handle grains too!

[HatchlingHustler]

I've noticed that my chickens go crazy for fermented grains! I started mine at around 8 weeks, and they handled it just fine.

[Eggnigma]

I tried giving whole grains at 6 weeks, but they struggled. Around 10-12 weeks was the sweet spot for mine! I'd start with wheat or barley first.

[EggspertFarmer]

I start giving my chickens whole grains around 10-12 weeks, but only if they have access to grit. They need that to break everything down properly!

[PeckingPal]

My birds love whole oats and barley, but I hold off on whole corn until they're at least a few months old. It just seems too big for young ones.

[FlockFather]

I'd wait until they're at least 12 weeks old before offering whole grains. Cracked corn might be easier for them at first, but they'll get there!

[EggWiseScholar]

Since you bake sourdough, have you ever tried giving them fermented wheat or soaked bread? Mine love it, and it's a great way to use up extras!