Help!! My fussy chooks in Sydney won't eat their layer's mash - any suggestions?

[alliterationsss]

Hi

I have 3 gorgeous chooks - pets more than egg producers. I really struggle to get them to eat their chook food - it's called 'layer's mash - a blend of grains and finer almost dust-size particles. They also get a small amount of budgie food each day with some additions recommended by the vet, which they love.

I am trying to cut back on other food that I give them so that they have to eat their layer's mash, but I feel very cruel to be kind.

Do you have any thoughts?

Thanks, Alliterationsss

 

[HEChicken]

Honestly, it sounds as though you are focusing too much on what and how much they are eating. I put out layer pellets for mine and that is all they get. When they are hungry, they eat, but I don't hover over them to make sure they do. Since they are thriving, they must be eating. They won't starve themselves, I promise.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Too many supplemental food stuffs and the birds become "trained" to ignore their basic feed and wait for the extras.

As for the mash, put a few cups in a small pail, add some warm water and stir. This porridge is quite special to them for some reason.

 

[alliterationsss]

Hi and thanks for both your comments. Your description is quite accurate - that they've become 'trained' to ignore their basic feed. Well, I just have to be patient and persist despite the fact they are very good at coming up to me (or my back door) and looking / and sounding very mournful!

I'll try them with the porridge too.

Regards! sss

 

[The Helper]

Put a little amount of water about 5 drops then they'll eat it for sure