BR babies not eating much

[lucyb]

Hi, wonder if anyone can tell me if I should be worried or not? I got four BR babies last week at 3 weeks old. I also have a group of two week old babies raised by a hen; three Silver Campines and two Light Sussex. Anyway, at meal time the Campine/Sussex group demolish whatever's put in front of them in a kind of feeding frenzy...the whole lot disappears in minutes and they are enthusiastic about new treats. However, the BRs are really picky...wary of new things, not very interested in most foods (they might nibble a bit of mash) and the only thing they have any real enthusiasm for is bread, bugs that get into their run, dandelion leaves and chard leaves. Otherwise, they seem healthy and alert and active as far as I can make out. They are such big birds compared to the Campines though, and don't consume anything near the quantity of food. What do you think??

 

[debilorrah]

I actually think they may be a little timid at their surroundings. Do you have them seperated, or are they in with your other chicks?

 

[lucyb]

Yep, I think that might be it. They are in a hen house divvied into two; Hen and Campine/Light Sussex babies on the other side. I had to change the barrier between the two from chicken wire to hardboard though as the hen went bonkers at mealtimes, trying to peck at the Brs through the wire. She got so agitated that she then turned on two of her own chicks...but only the two Sussexes, strangely. Anyway, once the hardboard went up all was fine.
Anyway, great success this afternoon with porridge and chook mash. Brs scoffed it. Also good if I scrubble up their food a bit and generally point it out to them; they don't seem to get the idea unless you make a big deal of dinnertime. Maybe their minds are on higher things.

I tried to post a pic of them but can't seem to get the hang....will post this and try again!

 

[lucyb]

Here is pic...I hope. Is this what a 3 wk old BR should look like??

 

[jossanne]

I wouldn't be giving them any bread at this point. It's like candy to them, and they'll eat it and not the healthy stuff....

My BR cockerels have been hogs, and go crazy at feeding time. Do you leave feed out for them all day, or just at feeding time?

 

[Cackel]

Let them run out of food for and hour or so and you will see them eat, I also give mine sugar water and it gives them lots of energy. I have 10 BR babies now and they eat really good.

 

[lucyb]

yes, food in there all the time, I'll try taking it away for a few hours before dinnertime. They ate like hungry hounds tonight though, so I'm hoping everything's ok!

 

[jossanne]

I bet they'll be fine. Keep us updated!

 

[arabookworm]

they must be eating more than you think, cuz they look about the same size as mine, and mine are about the same age, and are a bit too full of energy, truth be told. maybe yours won't give you as much trouble if they're timid

 

[bloomnbeauty]

I have found that chickens are creatures of habit. Any slight change throws them. You said you just got them last week. Sometimes it takes a few days for them to adjust to the new environment. They should perk up soon.