How long can my hens go without eating?

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erika1234us

erika1234us

Chirping
5 Years
Apr 29, 2014
10
2
59
San Diego, CA
I just installed a new "Grandpa's Feeder" 3 days ago. It has a lid that opens and closes when the hens step on the pedal and is taking some time for the chickens to get used to. As of this morning I've seen two of them figure it out and are using it properly, but the other three don't seem to get it yet. The instructions say to leave them with no other food and they will eventually get used to it. Since it's been three days, should I worry about the 3 I haven't seen use it?
 
You're going to have to camp out there to make sure they all eat. It would be best to observe when they come out in the morning when they're all hungry. If they don't eat then, they're not eating feed.

They can't go very long without eating. They are voracious eaters and will fill their crop with whatever is available if there is no feed. That could be bedding, feces, or whatever is in front of them.
 
erika1234us said:
I just installed a new "Grandpa's Feeder" 3 days ago. It has a lid that opens and closes when the hens step on the pedal and is taking some time for the chickens to get used to. As of this morning I've seen two of them figure it out and are using it properly, but the other three don't seem to get it yet. The instructions say to leave them with no other food and they will eventually get used to it. Since it's been three days, should I worry about the 3 I haven't seen use it?
Click to expand...
There's a 3 step method to train the birds to the treadle feeders.
First is lid locked open,
second is lid partially open so treadle activates and they get used to it's motion
third is they only use the treadle for access.

....did you employ that method?
 
I did and I'm having difficulty with step 2. I actually left it as step 1 for a month, and now step two is proving to be scary for them. I hope they catch on soon.
 
erika1234us said:
I did and I'm having difficulty with step 2. I actually left it as step 1 for a month, and now step two is proving to be scary for them. I hope they catch on soon.
Click to expand...
How long have you been on step 2?
I've never done it myself but have read multiple stories....some catch on quick, some take much longer.
 
It's been about 6 days on step 2 but I broke down a few days ago and fed them, and let them out today to forage. It's now only two hens that I'm worried about and they happen to be the lowest in the pecking order. Tomorrow i might try to let some of them out and leave the the two that aren't used to the new feeder in their pen to see if they respond with some treats in the feeder. Maybe their being bullied away from the feeder, although I haven't seen this behavior.
 

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