Finicky eaters

[NWWICX]

Our layers, 1 Buff Orp, 2 Black Austrolorp, are 7 weeks old. They don't seem to be eating much grower feed. We have them in a coop, apprx. 20x22, so they have access to lots of grass and bugs. Is this something we should be concerned about?

 

[terryg]

Are you feeding treats? If so, stop, because if they're eating "candy" (= corn) then they won't bother with the pellets. Are they gaining weight? Then I wouldn't worry, they might be getting what they need from foraging. But, also look carefully at where the food is. In this heat, do they have to cross a hot, sunny stretch to get to it? Is the food fresh? (Smell it and discard if musty or moldy.) Is the feeder at the right height? Do they have enough water to drink - add a second font in the shade. I have more about feeding on my FAQ http://hencam.com/faq/what-to-feed-your-chickens/

 

[NWWICX]

After nearly 2 months the girls are doing all right! They seem to be getting enough from foraging so we don't worry about them. They are looking good and walking proud!!! Our broilers have a life expectancy of 3 days now. Aug 8th is their D-day. They are just over 8 weeks old and going on 9 lbs. They are no longer the broilers...they're the "pigs". They eat about 150 lbs of food a week with just one feeding in the morning.