Hens just stopped eating layer pellets after 2 years...any ideas?

[CogitoChickens]

I have a conundrum....my flock of 33 has suddenly stopped eating organic layer pellets the same way they have over the past 2 years. I've been using New Country Organics Super Premium (= super EXPENSIVE) "Craft Blend Green." They're the only organic, noncorn, nonsoy, layer pellets I was able to find around in my area of Ohio when I needed to buy another pallet of feed last December. Starting about 2 weeks ago, I started noticing piles of feed outside both treadle operated feeders I use. I've been able to see a handful of the birds reaching in and scratching out feed, as if looking for something - totally new behavior. The other clue I have is that when I throw this feed out in the yard (which I do when filling the feeders, to keep the gaggle away from me), they don't go for the feed like they used to. Up to recently, when I did that they'd all go for the feed and I could look back and not find a single pellet remaining...not one. Now there's a lot of it sitting around all over the ground. I can't tell if there was a different lot number on the bags I've gone thru previously (about half thru the pile of bags). I keep the bags in a closed room within the barn, and we've not had anything close to warm weather until a few days ago here. I called the company up this morning and gave them the lowdown...they insist they've not had a formulation change. Oh, and over the past week we've started getting what we typically see as full production (over a dozen a day, yesterday was 20!), so thank the Lord I don't have any impact on production. If any of you have any ideas I'd love to hear them! Lately, I've been locking down the feeders and letting them whittle down the piles in front of them to get better utilization of the feed - hate wasting it, it's so durned expensive.

 

[DobieLover]

I have a conundrum....my flock of 33 has suddenly stopped eating organic layer pellets the same way they have over the past 2 years. I've been using New Country Organics Super Premium (= super EXPENSIVE) "Craft Blend Green." They're the only organic, noncorn, nonsoy, layer pellets I was able to find around in my area of Ohio when I needed to buy another pallet of feed last December. Starting about 2 weeks ago, I started noticing piles of feed outside both treadle operated feeders I use. I've been able to see a handful of the birds reaching in and scratching out feed, as if looking for something - totally new behavior. The other clue I have is that when I throw this feed out in the yard (which I do when filling the feeders, to keep the gaggle away from me), they don't go for the feed like they used to. Up to recently, when I did that they'd all go for the feed and I could look back and not find a single pellet remaining...not one. Now there's a lot of it sitting around all over the ground. I can't tell if there was a different lot number on the bags I've gone thru previously (about half thru the pile of bags). I keep the bags in a closed room within the barn, and we've not had anything close to warm weather until a few days ago here. I called the company up this morning and gave them the lowdown...they insist they've not had a formulation change. Oh, and over the past week we've started getting what we typically see as full production (over a dozen a day, yesterday was 20!), so thank the Lord I don't have any impact on production. If any of you have any ideas I'd love to hear them! Lately, I've been locking down the feeders and letting them whittle down the piles in front of them to get better utilization of the feed - hate wasting it, it's so durned expensive.

Welcome to BYC!

Have you checked the mill date on the bag? Did they readily eat the last bag and are balking at the current bag? Did you smell it to see if it smells off at all?

 

[CogitoChickens]

Using the lot number, the company was able to determine the mill date was 11/2. I purchased from local distributor sometime in early December, and have used a little over half the pallet I bought then. Been using this same feed for 2 years, but always look for an alternative when coming down to replenish, hoping to find something as good for a little less money. Ended up staying with them last Dec as I couldn't find that better alternative. Doesn't smell any different from what I can tell. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Folly's place]

It's likely that there is a problem with this feed, even if you can't tell the difference. Will the manufacturer replace it? have you tried a different bag in your batch?
Here I want to use feed within two months of it's mill date, not older. yours is four months old, at least.
Mary

 

[CogitoChickens]

It's likely that there is a problem with this feed, even if you can't tell the difference. Will the manufacturer replace it? have you tried a different bag in your batch?
Here I want to use feed within two months of it's mill date, not older. yours is four months old, at least.
Mary

Thank you Mary!