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[rjohns39]

when you said "Boss" above, were you talking about Black Oil Sunflower Seeds? There's a feed pre-mix in Canada named Boss and folks here often refer to sunflower seeds as BOSS. If you were talking about sunflower seeds, maybe add them back and see if she shows interest. They have a lot of fat in them as well.

 

[Luckynumberseven]

Yes. Black oiled sunflower seeds. I mix it with some scratch and oatmeal and give my 2 girls about 1/4 cup 2 times a day. Along with their layer feed in separate dishes. My problem girl laid a broken soft shell yesterday. She seems to be doing ok. It’s just so concerning to go from laying Big beautiful eggs to having this issue. I give them oyster shell every day. The one that doesn’t need it gobbles it up and the one that needs it isn’t really interested in it. She is the low one on the totem pole so she gets what the other one says she gets. ( I hate the pecking order) I make sure she gets extra. .
Separate topic but do chickens get constipation? And how is it treated? Thank you

 

[rjohns39]

Try putting out some separate bowls of OS and layer (I'd leave the treats in the single bowl), the whole pecking order thing can be a pain. As for constipation, not that I'm aware of, but doesn't mean it can't happen. Generally, if they have a problem it's in the crop. In a grass based system, optimum laying vs feed consumption (or feed conversion if you will) is 4.5 ounces per bird per day. I wonder if she's not getting enough layer and eating too much scratch?

 

[Luckynumberseven]

I think that is what’s happening. The queen bird chases her away from the layer food. Well she warns her then chases her from all food. That’s probably why she eats the scratch. I think I’ll stop the scratch mixture for a few days. Maybe she will eat more layer food. I always thought chickens were supposed to be easy! I worry and stress over them more then anything ! ThAnk you for your reply!

 

[21hens-incharge]

If I read your post correctly you are giving 1/4 cup of scratch twice a day for two hens.

I think there is an imbalance in the feeding.

I would recommend stopping all treats except high protein like the fish.

Putting two feed dishes out in different areas can reduce the ability of the bossy hen to guard the feed.

Try wetting some layer feed and see if she will eat it that way.

With just two hens feeding separately should be easy.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Just wanted to add that oyster shell and grit are very important. These should not be mixed into the feed but available at all times in separate dishes.