There is no need to crush pellets first, they will just go to mush when soaked in water for 15-20mins, quicker if the water is warm.
it hasn't caused any serious health issues.
I guess it must just be the pellets I've used here. They seem to be super hard. It took a couple of hours soak to get them to mash well.There is no need to crush pellets first, they will just go to mush when soaked in water for 15-20mins, quicker if the water is warm.
I agree with the others that diet is likely the problem and if they have been on that much corn before you got them too, there is a concern that it may have significantly slowed their development.
Not just until they get better. They will go downhill again if you re-add that much corn to their diet.
Different producers will use different binding agents from time to time so it's common to see variation in how long it takes the pellets to soften.I guess it must just be the pellets I've used here. They seem to be super hard. It took a couple of hours soak to get them to mash well.
I got 2 SLW right around T-day. They didn't eat very well either at first. They weren't used to their new surroundings. So I started feeding them outside so I could see what they were eating. I wasn't sure if they knew how to use my feeder. But one day I went out and they were eating out of it. It's the white and red one seen here often in adverts. With the little rounded white covers over the eating area. They were 16 weeks when I got them but they started laying at about 17-18 weeks. Give them a chance to settle in. Feed them where you can see what they consume. Make sure they have water.
ETA: Talking to myself. LOL. I use 20% feed for the winter and laying. As my other 2 hens were laying. I sorta bought it because I thought my 2 year olds would molt this past fall. But they didn't. Oh a feather or two now and then but I don't think that is a molt.
Thanks
