Bullying. Again. What am I doing wrong?

[thecatumbrella]

I would call her bluff, she has you trained. Treats should be an unexpected surprise, not something to skip meals over

Since the "treats" are technically different versions of complete feed, I thought they wouldn't hold as high a value. Clearly, I was wrong. It's hard to believe such a simple, tiny thing can be such a manipulator!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I agree about the feed-it was the first thing that struck me while reading your explanation of the situation. Chickens are very food-motivated. Feeding time is the only time my hens pick on the pullets. I’m sure you’ve tried different feeders? I had a flock that refused to eat pellets. After a few days with no other options they gave in. My current flock gets treats a couple times a week (usually meal worms) and only as a training exercise to get them into the coop after a day of ranging. I used to give more scraps but not until evening usually. In your situation I would try skipping the treats altogether and leaving them no choice but the feeder. You can try sweetening the pot a little with something like Rooster Booster to see if that gets them to at least start using it but if they see a resource as scarce (even if it’s not) they are more likely to fight over it.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I would like to add that it’s not that you are doing anything “wrong” but that each flock and setup has different issues and it’s just a matter of problem solving. That’s what this site is for! A big, fluffy, clucking brainstorming session lol

 

[thecatumbrella]

I would like to add that it’s not that you are doing anything “wrong” but that each flock and setup has different issues and it’s just a matter of problem solving. That’s what this site is for! A big, fluffy, clucking brainstorming session lol

Oh my gosh, yes! This flock makes me feel like a complete noob, and things that worked for the 1st group get completely thrown out the window.

What sucks is the supplementary feed helps to give them something to do (find the pellets in the mulch, or slowly drain the whole feed toys), but it's made them completely reject the crumble feeders. My husband and I can't just go out tossing pellets all day long, and the toys eventually empty. You would think they'd adapt and go to the crumble feeders, which some do, but not the d'Uccle.

This is also speculation on why the bullying occurs. I don't know what's going on in her little muff brain, but between her bossy personality and the food drama, it's the leading theory.

I'm a bit curious what would happen if I filled the feeders with the whole grain feed (other than going broke). They can't beak the new models I got, so in theory they'd eat all the different components... including the vitamin/mineral tabs. But I'd much rather they eat crumble or pellets. Not just for my wallet, but because each bite is bulletproof on nutrition.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I'm a bit curious what would happen if I filled the feeders with the whole grain feed

My mom has been feeding her chickens high-protein scratch as their only feed for months. Before that she mixed scratch into her feed. Totally goes against all the BYC advice but her chickens live to very old age (unless something eats them) so I don’t think you will do any damage mixing it in for a bit to entice them to use the feeders.

 

[thecatumbrella]

My mom has been feeding her chickens high-protein scratch as their only feed for months. Before that she mixed scratch into her feed. Totally goes against all the BYC advice but her chickens live to very old age (unless something eats them) so I don’t think you will do any damage mixing it in for a bit to entice them to use the feeders.

It's definitely not scratch, but it's very scratch-like in appearance. Each chicken needs to eat all the different components to have a complete diet. It just feels a bit risky to have that be their primary feed when they're already such picky little s. Like you said, they could be fine. But the price is eye watering!

Here's the nutrition label, for anyone interested.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When they are hungry, they will eat.
Stop giving them attractive alternatives and they will eat their gruel.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Each chicken needs to eat all the different components to have a complete diet

If it gets them sticking their faces in their feeder it’s worth it short-term

 

[thecatumbrella]

When they are hungry, they will eat.
Stop giving them attractive alternatives and they will eat their gruel.

My husband just suggested putting a trough around her neck.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My husband just suggested putting a trough around her neck.

Husbands! What can you do?