Is it depression or what??

[s6bee]

I am a bit concerned about my 5 hens. They are not eating as much as they did just a few days ago. I have put thier typical stuff out for them to scratch, and most of the day has gone by and they have hardly touched it. They also aren't going through the feeder food either. They are in a run with just enough space ( plan on building a bigger one ). They seem fine in every other way. Laying eggs every day, and energetic, sunbathing,etc. Do I need to worry? What can I do to "entertain" them?

 

[BearSwampChick]

How about the Chicken Dance?

 

[s6bee]

Cute

Should I be worried though or do Chickens go through a phase were they don't eat as much? I've never had them through a summer so do they eat less than in winter months?

 

[McGoo]

I don't really know the answer to your question, but I suspect that in general they would eat more in winter to stay warm. Do they free-range?

 

[chicknmania]

I don't know, I'd just watch them. Ours don't eat as much right now, but they free range. Maybe yours are eating grass or bugs?

 

[JustChicky]

My chicks are only 5 1/2 weeks old, but I have noticed that on colder days they eat more and on warmer days they eat less.

They always drink a lot of water. But I have also noticed that the cooler the water is, the more they drink (not cold water

).

 

[ebonykawai]

Mine have been eating a lot of bugs and grass and weeds and such, so they are eating a bit less, I think. That's probably what's up with yours. I wouldn't worry. There's a lot more to eat now.

 

[s6bee]

They only get an hour of free ranging time at the end of the day, so I'm not sure how much they are getting out of that?

 

[bigzio]

Chickens love to take a dust bath. If your birds don't free range and aren't able to make their own favorite place to take a bath, then I would consider making them a dusting place. It provides good health for the flock as well as hours of time spent dusting.

One would not think this a big deal, however it makes a real difference as well as a healthier flock. We all want that eh?

bigzio

 

[BearSwampChick]

I can't wait to get mine into the coop today so I can fix them a dust-bath bowl. They love bathing in their fresh shavings in the brooder, but I don't have room in there for a separate bowl. It's so much fun to watch. Try hanging some tinkly wind chimes where they can reach them. I did that in the brooder and they love it.

I didn't mean to make light of your situation, but I just couldn't resist the thought of you dancing for your chickens with them all lined up on their roosts like bleachers.