Chickens act like they are starving all the time!

[ballfarm]

My girls act as if they are starving all the time, regardless of what we feed them. They follow us around hoping for tidbits of food. They go after our toes when we wear flip flops. If I feel the feeder up, they will eat and eat until all the food is gone and still act as if they are still hungry. They have access to grass and bugs. They have even snuck into our dog kennel to eat the dogfood! We give them treats of veggies and corn. What I am I doing wrong? Is this normal? I know that they peck and scratch normally throughout the day but there is an urgency about them, kinda like a dog begging.

 

[MTtroutwithwings]

this is normal, mine do it too. Sometimes their crops are so full, you'd think they'd tip over onto their beaks!

I refer to this behavior as Cocker Spaniels with wings! (I use to have those breeds and all they do is beg!

)

 

[skennedy]

Quote:
What breed are these? They must be Cornish Cross, none of my standard breeds act this way.

 

[rodandbrandy]

it sounds like how my meat birds act, my layer hens never act like that but they do go crazy once you give them a treat

 

[Laurena]

I have six ISA's and six red sex-links and they all act this way . They have access to layer pellets 24/7 , free range 2-4 hours a day and get veggie scraps all the time but always act like they're starving . If I walk into their run with sandels or crocs on they try to eat my toes . When I walk by their run they all rush to the fence to see if I have any food .

 

[Lobzi]

Chickie acts this way too....but she is begging for spiders mostly. If we cant find any and I give her carrots or turkey burger, she scarfs it up. I have been told she is a Australorp. Is this normal for this bread or have I created a eating monster?
Unfortunately I knew nothing about raising chickens when I found her and it was week before I got gained knowledge and then made it to the store for chick starter.

 

[augiedranch]

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A BLACK AUSTRALORP? mine acts like that too! lol

 

[d.k]

* I had a real problem with Miss Chook seeming frustrated and starving like that when I switched her to 16% layer food from her first homemade ration. She even lost weight. I think it's too little protein/fiber. Started adding a 'fat' tablespoon of her previous mix and she settled down finally. I KNOW that homemade formula has A LOT more protein and fiber and stuff.

 

[ballfarm]

Thanks ya'll!

My girls are Barred Rocks. We have one roo and he acts the same way but is more aggressive about it.

 

[Happy Chicken Mama]

Thats Chickens for ya'!