Hens not eating layer feed...why?

[TexasChickenDance]

I'm not sure our hens are eating the layer feed. They free range all day then go back to the coop for the night. The feed is in the coop and we let them out around 10-11am. I haven't had to add any feed for about a week. Could it be all the free range they do and will it hurt them laying wise if they aren't eating enough feed?

 

[Mattemma]

My hens eat a lot of grass and worms right now.I noticed a lot of layer pellets in the shed. Mine never liked the pellets much.Will they eat up scratch or another type of food?

 

[TexasChickenDance]

Yes, they will eat scratch, boss, oats. I try not to feed them too much scratch but will give them boss and oats when I put them in at night.

 

[Kittymomma]

I don't know, mine free range all day and even in mid-summer when there is lots of grass, bugs, etc. they still eat their pelleted feed. I'd dump what you have in there and check the bag it came from for mold. It could be that something's not quite right with it and they're getting enough ranging that they're leaving it alone.

Also, have you made any changes to their feed lately--brand or switched to pellets from crumbles? Sometimes that kind of thing throws them off too. How are they looking? Do they still have good body weight and feather?

 

[TexasChickenDance]

Yes, they have good body weight and the feathers are beautiful...bright and shiny. We haven't changed their feed at all...still going thru the same bag they we bought in Jan. Could that be it?

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
That's a long time to store an open bag of feed unless you have it in another container. I'd take a really close look at it, especially around the bottom and check for any dampness, mold, or rodent droppings.

 

[mstricer]

How many chickens do you have? I go through 100lbs a week for about 40 chickens some times more hoping to slow down now they can eat bugs and grass. I feed mine every morning around 6:30 am its like a feeding frenzy. Its the same when I collect eggs in the evening they think I added to it.

 

[TexasChickenDance]

I only have 6 hens RIR and I keep all feed in metal trashcans. I have about 1/4 bag left and it's fine. No mold and it smells like fresh feed. I just want to make sure that if they aren't eating much of it then it's because of the free range and they are getting enough nutrients to lay eggs. Otherwise, I'll keep them cooped up so they'll eat.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

If they're free ranging all day they don't need the bag feed. Count your blessings.

.....Alan.

 

[TexasChickenDance]

If they're free ranging all day they don't need the bag feed. Count your blessings.

.....Alan.


Then I shouldn't be worrying?