Free Range Hen - now in a run & coop

[Grindlefamily]

I adopted a free range hen, whom is now living in a run and coop. She looks healthy, and seem like she is doing well but I have a question.

She was free ranging before, and had access to corn in the barn. (and of course water in multiple places)

Now she has her run (all day long) and layena & scratch in her coop. She doesn't seem to be eating much of the layena & scratch (I added the scratch in hopes that the corn bits would attract her to the feed and she would eat). Like I said, she appears okay - we do throw feed and scratch and treats into her run for her during the day, she also is constantly scratching around and eatting bugs (as I have watched her to see what she does all day).

My question is ..

Will she eventually eat the layena? If you don't think so, please give me ideas on how to help keep her healthy. She still has a couple weeks in quarantine before joining the rest of the flock (so she is in her own coop/run right now).

??? I just want to make sure she is getting everything she needs. She has made a nice nest in the nest box (no eggs yet - but there is always hope). ????

Louella

 

[Windy Ridge]

She may prefer to eat from the ground for a while, if she's more used to that. You might try scattering some of the layer ration on the ground, or putting it in a wide pan for her rather than a hopper feeder until she comes to recognize it as food.

Good luck!

 

[JennsPeeps]

She might be a bit lonely, too. Chickens are social critters.

 

[Grindlefamily]

That was what I was wondering - I am hoping once she is clear to go in with the others, then she will be happier. She does have a rabbit near by LOL but I don't think she really likes him

 

[silkiechicken]

When she get's hungry, she'll learn to eat the layer feed. She won't starve herself to death.

 

[All about the EGG]

Quote:
Or the rabbit...

 

[Grindlefamily]

Quote:
Or the rabbit...

LOL good thing they have seperate pens - but can see each other - I think she'd rather "eat" the dog when she goes out to say "HI"