Bored, underfed, and picky chicken! (almost sounds like some teenagers I know...)

[SlatyGapSis]

Does she like applesauce? Maybe that could be mixed with some feed.

I have applesauce! I’ll try that, thanks!

 

[SlatyGapSis]

Funny post. I would love to see the chicken watching cartoons. Have you tried yogurt? mine love it with a bit of sunflower seeds , and it's good protein.

I only have flavored/sweetened yogurt at the moment. I know it’s just one serving, but what if she turns her beak up at the unsweetened stuff once she’s gotten some of the good stuff? My dog did that with sno cones. Loved a cup of ice until we let her have a bite of our sugary yumminess. Now she wants nothing to do with the plain ice. Jerk.
Seriously though, I’ve put yogurt on my shopping list. Thank you!

 

[SlatyGapSis]

She could have crop issue or something stuck in her beak or throat that makes it hard to eat.

I had checked her crop at the beginning of all this, but I will certainly check again to be sure. Thanks!

 

[Krazikatlady64]

My only thoughts are on the boredom. I have one EE and I think they are all a little "special" I give them the flock blocks that TSC has. They are seed blocks they can pick at all day long. They have a few smaller ones that may keep her occupied and let her "forage". I have also halved an apple (coring and seeding) to let them peck and it that. Takes a while to do. pumpkins, small ones? or other squash? Watermelons were the best thing this summer. Berries and leaf lettuce or cabbage. Egg for protein seems a good idea. Good luck!

 

[SlatyGapSis]

Have you tried scrambled eggs? My roo who wouldnt eat (hed greedily eat anything I stuck in his mouth but wasnt getting anything on his own) annihilated some scrambled eggs. And that's much more substance than apple slices at least.

We had a peachick who was alone and we played cartoons for him too, so dont even feel weird haha.

Thanks! Glad to hear I’m not the only one that thought brought colors and high voices would keep them entertained! I did try the scrambled eggs but someone else mentioned hard boiled, so I’ll try that next!

 

[SlatyGapSis]

My only thoughts are on the boredom. I have one EE and I think they are all a little "special" I give them the flock blocks that TSC has. They are seed blocks they can pick at all day long. They have a few smaller ones that may keep her occupied and let her "forage". I have also halved an apple (coring and seeding) to let them peck and it that. Takes a while to do. pumpkins, small ones? or other squash? Watermelons were the best thing this summer. Berries and leaf lettuce or cabbage. Egg for protein seems a good idea. Good luck!

All great ideas, thank you. I think we even have a flock block stored around here somewhere. Do you usually do anything to the leafy greens or just toss them in whole and let them go at it?

 

[Krazikatlady64]

All great ideas, thank you. I think we even have a flock block stored around here somewhere. Do you usually do anything to the leafy greens or just toss them in whole and let them go at it?

I just toss them in. I worry about feeding them eggs too, but protein is needed, especially for a molt.

 

[SlatyGapSis]

<cringes>
Not sure if I posted this here but....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/

I appreciate the link...I do follow this procedure and was quite surprised when she passed out. I immediately tipped her head forward so the Nutridrench would drain out her beak and not down her trachea. I have not attempted opening her beak since, and she seems to be eating and drinking well, if not a lot, on her own.

 

[SlatyGapSis]

That is hysterical!(The bird watching TV).
But poor bird. Someone suggested putting chick feed in applesauce, that might work.
She might be miserable from her molt. Good idea that you have separated her for now.
Make sure she gets vitamins. Give her a dose of Nutri-Drench every day for a few days. My girls go wild for hard boiled egg yolks when they are under the weather, and it’s a great source of protein.

I didn’t realize I’d failed to mention trying scrambled eggs. She ate a few bites. I did give her a raw egg one morning and she loved the yolk, but I didn’t want to encourage any future egg eating. I haven’t tried hard boiled eggs yet, though...

 

[aart]

I have an 18-month-old EE that I pulled from the flock because the others were picking on her and keeping her away from the food. I assume(d) that it is because she is going through a pretty hard molt.

How many other birds?
How big is coop and run, in feet by feet?
Diemsniosn and pics would help immensely here.

Put the crate out in the run or range area....in the coop at night.
Give her fresh plain water and regular chicken feed, she will eat if she gets hungry enough.