⠀ I cant get them to eat the layer formula

[ramac]

About 2 months ago a neighbor left me with 7 free range chickens, 2 roosters and 5 hens. So much to learn. I had their existing hen house moved and added a covered pen for rainy days. What they like and will eat has been a problem day 1. Their previous owner did not say much other than they did not like the layer pellets. What I have learned since then is they don't like the crumble either. I went back to pellets, Purina, Nutrena, Dumor, no difference, they look at it, one or two will peck and they walk away. For a while, quaker oats they loved. Cracked corn for only a day or two. Wild bird seed seems on off. I am hoping I can find something liquid I can spray on the layer pellets that will get them to like it so they are getting the nutrition they need? Any ideas?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Chickens are creatures of habit and voracious eaters. They may be spoiled for the time being by what they were eating before but they won't starve themselves. For the time being, if they only have pellets, they will eat them when they get tired of waiting for treats. As long as the feed is fresh, less than 2 months since manufacture, keep with it.
You can also ferment the feed and that seems to make it more attractive to them. You can just cover the feed with water in a bucket and it will ferment. Serve it up when it is the consistency of spackling.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/645057/fermented-feeds-anyone-using-them

 

[DrPatrickBiggs]

If the birds you acquired have always been allowed to roam the land and find their own food, then they will not recognize the layer pellets and crumbles as feed at first. Given time (and hunger), they will inspect the feed and discover what it is. You will just have to be patient. Since they are used to foraging, you might try placing a pile of feed on the ground for them to pick at. Eventually, they will recognize it for feed and begin to eat it. Once they have done that, they should continue to eat out of the feeder. Just keep an eye on them and make sure that they aren't losing too much weight or look unhealthy. You may want to try Purina Flock Block as a way to encourage them to look for their feed. If they begin to peck at the block, then you can start dropping some of their regular feed on and around the block.

 

[ramac]

Thank you for advice and support.