Feeding straw

[Flowerofthefen]

Both my boys are on wheat straw. They nibble a bit but don't really eat it as they have plenty of hay. I also feed hay in the field. They are going through my stash of hay at a rate of knots!! Is it safe to add a bit of wheat straw to the hay out in the field? They may not even eat it but hoping to bulk out field rations!!

 

[Polos Mum]

Yes - my old boy would eat straw in the field over nice spring grass !

If they are used to eating in in the stable (either fed or by picking at their bed) it wouldn't make any difference outside.

My tip would be to do a little at a time - if they choose to ignore it it's a pig to dig up when wet and stomped all over!

 

[MotherOfChickens]

mine get oat straw but they wont eat it over grass or hay (I have some fabulous hay). So they get straw only or hay only nets/piles. I know sometimes wheat straw is the only straw to be had, but barley straw and oat straw are a bit more palatable I think.

 

[Berpisc]

Yes I have done this over the years, as above, start gradually ( if you can get hold of good barley or oat straw then that is best) but I have never had problems feeding wheat straw for bulk.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Thanks everyone. I know it was always said it could cause colic but I wouldn't feed it in any massive amount. They are out in the daytime and havnt got much grass, straw is a nice cheap option. Will look for oat or barley if I can get some.

 

[Polos Mum]

It makes them drink more as it's very dry even vs. hay. so I think some of the old colic link was lack of water linked. In the field (presumably with a trough) water access should be an issue.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Thanks everyone. I know it was always said it could cause colic but I wouldn't feed it in any massive amount. They are out in the daytime and havnt got much grass, straw is a nice cheap option. Will look for oat or barley if I can get some.

It can cause impaction colic -I wouldnt feed it to anything that was going to be kept in and am careful when there is any weather whereby they might not drink as much (ie cold snaps). Keep an eye on droppings, large pieces of straw may mean they need their teeth done or that their teeth can't cope with it which might cause issues. I can't always source oat straw but have this winter, happy days.