feeding 7 month old girls table scraps, act like they are starving?

[joetta]

Hi everyone, just a question for ya....I have 4 seven month old girls, all healthy, sweet as can be, we get four eggs almost daily. Every day I let them free range the yard for an hour or so before sundown. I usually bring them a plate full of goodies, left overs from last nights dinner, some fruit, veggies, whatever I have. When I let them out and put the plate down....they act like they are STARVING and gobble it up in no time. It doesn't look very appetizing to me. Their feeder is always full of Purina Layena crumbles, I know they are eating it, I see them eat and I have to refill it almost daily, they have fresh water daily and crushed egg shells (just in case they need it). My question is....is this eating behavior normal? Do they always gobble it up right away or should they be taking their time and enjoying it? They gobble it up, scratch about a bit, go take a dust bath and then roam the yard. Any comments would be welcome. I was just wondering. Thanks, Jo

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Well, if the Layena is their basic food, then the kitchen scraps are a giant chocolate cake. And chickens aren't known for their table manners--or for slowing down and enjoying their food, for that matter! What you're witnessing is completely normal. In fact, the scramble for the treats is my favorite part of feeding chickens!

 

[ChickensRDinos]

x 2

Sounds like normal behavior to me. They are just excited to get a really yummy treat. Chickens are like people -- they will eat the yummy stuff even when they aren't hungry.

 

[joetta]

Awww, Thank You for responding so quickly! I have to admit, it is pretty comical watching them fight over a favorite morsel, especially when it is long, spaghetti noodles...they chase each other around and steal it from the others beak! This is our first time having backyard chickens, so we are learning as we go. We did start off with six babies, but two were roosters and one was such a bully and chased me around the yard like an attack dog, even after being attacked by a hawk and me nursing him back to health. When he went after the boyfriend, poor ole Louie had to go.

But we found good homes for him and Big Al last week. Now the girls can have some peace and quiet! Thanks again for your reply.

 

[eggoland]

Mine are like a group of small children in a candy store. They just can't get enough & I know they would make themselves sick if I gave them too much.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/331471/can-they-eat-strawberries/10

 

[ljseabreeze]

When I walk outside with the scrap bucket all my hens come running and race me to the coop. Totally normal