Help...my chickens refuse to eat the new layer food?!!

[mmtillman]

We put our girls on layer feed ( pellets ) 2 days ago....they are almost 4 months old. They totally ignored it...

They used to crowd around the feeder first thing in the morning...now they are just bypassing the feeder....
So, do I need to mix in more of the grower starter with the new feed? We had some and did that, but they seemed to pick out the old stuff and leave the pellets?? Will my chickens starve?

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[willowcol]

Mine did that for a few days then started eating it. If they continue maybe try layer crumble for a while. Good luck.

 

[cybercat]

They might not reconize it as food because you went from crumbles to pellets. Is it the same brand as your starter was or a differnet one? They should soon try it though so try not to worry to much.

 

[Superior Chicks]

Whenever I change over to a new feed, I always do it very gradually. Like 10 parts to 1, then 8 to 2, and so on. It seems the slower the transition the better. Although even at 10 to 1 ratio my little buggers will pull out the the feed they were on and leave the pellets! Crafty spoiled they are.

But eventually they WILL eat the new food and all will be fine and the transition will be complete, not to worry, they will not starve.

I do recommend that you do transition though whenever changing feed, especially for their gut.

JMO

Ma

 

[mmtillman]

Thanks everyone for the good advice and input...I will do that and also !! .....today I moved the feeders and waterers and they ate the pellets like candy....They must have thought they were getting a new treat when I moved stuff around on them.......silly birds....so easy to fool!!

LOLOL!!