Hungry Hungry Hens! Why?

[andreanar]

I have 7, 25 week old, not yet laying pullets. They stuff their crops to bulging every morning on their feed. Then go free range and pretty much do nothing else but scratch around and eat bugs, grass, and whatever else they find. They just eat stuff all day, but act starving when we give them any treats. Is it ok that they eat this much? Shouldn't their crops get full at some point and not accept any more food?

 

[chicmom]

Hello!

Sounds like your chickens have the good life! I've had chickens for a pretty long time, and I always keep their feeders full. Mine also free range, but only for a few hours each evening before dark. I think your flock sounds very normal. Chickens are all about the food. And treats!

Even with my flock having food in their feeders 24-7, they get so excited when we throw out some scratch or cracked corn or whatever. It's like a feeding frenzy. I think a chicken's favorite thing in the world is eating.

 

[Folly's place]

Sounds normal to me1 Be careful to not overdo the treats, so they eat their grower and all those yummy bugs and worms. Mary

 

[andreanar]

Do chicken crops ever get too full, or will a chicken stop eating before that happens?