A little history. I have a group of 5 laying pullets (4-6 months old). They have been free ranging in my fenced back yard since they were 2 months old (cooped at night). For reasons I won't go into, I am now keeping them confined more (they have a 10'x10' fully enclosed and covered run).
I've noticed that they haven't been eating their pellets at all. There is a 3 lb feeder in there that is still full from 10 days ago. I've been letting them out every other day for a few hours to free range (and they stuff their crops), and been giving them scraps (salad, grapes, tomatoes, slice of bread here and there) and scratch (1-2 cups a day) and they eat all that greedily. I just don't feel like the extras are enough to live off of. They are CONSTANTLY fussing in their pen, and acting like they are hungry. If I don't give them scratch then they throw a fit and make a ton of noise. I'm worried my neighbors are going to complain. This has been going on for 3 weeks.
They aren't molting, otherwise look and act healthy, good healthy poops. I'm not really worried about them, but I guess am looking for tips on how to help free range birds adjust to confinement.
I've noticed that they haven't been eating their pellets at all. There is a 3 lb feeder in there that is still full from 10 days ago. I've been letting them out every other day for a few hours to free range (and they stuff their crops), and been giving them scraps (salad, grapes, tomatoes, slice of bread here and there) and scratch (1-2 cups a day) and they eat all that greedily. I just don't feel like the extras are enough to live off of. They are CONSTANTLY fussing in their pen, and acting like they are hungry. If I don't give them scratch then they throw a fit and make a ton of noise. I'm worried my neighbors are going to complain. This has been going on for 3 weeks.
They aren't molting, otherwise look and act healthy, good healthy poops. I'm not really worried about them, but I guess am looking for tips on how to help free range birds adjust to confinement.