Chickens not eating their grains

[cherylwillard1]

Hi all,

Has anyone noticed behavioral changes in their chickens as the days warm and grow longer? I give mine Scratch and Peck, which they loved all winter, but now seem to only want it as a last resort. As a result, they've gotten a bit skinny and are missing feathers. (At least I think that's why they look rough). When I let them out to free range, they act like I'm starving them! They go after ever worm, spider, beetle, and any other live source they can find. When they do eat their grain, they leave the corn bits. Why would they change and refuse to eat until they get their free range time?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I know it is scratch and peck brand but is it scratch grains or layer feed?

Is it fresh? Mill date?

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

My first thought is maybe they are moulting and need more protein? Or just aren't getting enough protein generally. Scratch and grains are low on protein and bugs obviously are much higher. The feather loss also indicates a lack of or need for more protein.

 

[imnukensc]

Chickens would much rather eat any bug they can get their beaks on than any scratch grain and because it is warming up there's more bugs for them to eat. Mine eat very little feed in the warmer months compared to colder months.

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

Mine definitely eat less chicken feed when the weather gets warmer and they find all kinds of things to eat out in “the real world.”

 

[cherylwillard1]

I know it is scratch and peck brand but is it scratch grains or layer feed?

Is it fresh? Mill date?

I haven't checked the mill date, but it looks and smells good, not dusty and stale like what I get at the supply store. And it IS layer feed. I started getting the corn and soy free one (even tho it costs more) because they're not eating the corn, so why pay for it...

 

[cherylwillard1]

My first thought is maybe they are moulting and need more protein? Or just aren't getting enough protein generally. Scratch and grains are low on protein and bugs obviously are much higher. The feather loss also indicates a lack of or need for more protein.

I think most of the feather loss is due to 1. a bully - I have a hen who's plumper and in full feather and 2. An overly amorous rooster. I've seen him mount the hens 3 times each, and he's got 9 girls to choose from, so we're talking almost 30 times a day! And HE is not missing feathers.

 

[cherylwillard1]

Thanks for the input, friends. Some more looking around indicates some of that feather loss IS due to the roo, and perhaps some due to the bully. Might be time to put the bully in a pot, she IS nice and plump! I guess I'll just have to let them free range and rake the mulch back into place once or twice a week. I'm still a little concerned about the missing feathers, because I understand that can indicate mite infestations, too. I will keep an eye on them and make sure they get plenty of time to range.

 

[cherylwillard1]

Chickens would much rather eat any bug they can get their beaks on than any scratch grain and because it is warming up there's more bugs for them to eat. Mine eat very little feed in the warmer months compared to colder months.

Well, I figured they prefer live bugs, obviously, but to the detriment of their health? I guess they're like humans in that regard - I MUCH prefer french fries over salad, but I still manage to make the right choice 50% of the time.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I don't think free range foraging - if the forage is pristine - will be a detriment to health.
Bugs are animal protein and normally that means a more complete array of amino acids than a vegetarian chicken feed.