My chickens dislike the purina layer so much, they pick it out of feeder to find the corn. Why?

[Kiki]

One step back... They would ignore it even before corn was introduced. They are free range and wouldnt touch it in the feeder. They didnt have a problem with the "excel" starter or grower. Then i bought purina layer and they turned their beaks up at it..

Chickens don't like their food changed..it may take them a while to get used to it.
Also check the dates on the bag...make sure it isn't old.

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYC! Sorry it's a feed issue that brought you to us but none the less, so glad you joined us. Sad to say, some chickens just get it in their heads that they aren't going to "like" something. What type Purina feed are you serving? Perhaps if you switched over to a different "mix/type/name" feed? Like layer or game bird, or #####. Maybe a higher protein mix? different brand? Since they're free ranging, they may just not be hungry... Typically once a chicken has gotten the protein it needs for the day, it stops eating. Or maybe they're just full from all the bugs they've been eating?

There's a wealth of info, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home!

Oh, if you haven't done so already, PLEASE put at least your general location in your profile. It could be very important if/when you ask for or offer help or advice. You know, climate issues and such. Old folks like me will never remember & look there first. To add it, mouse hover over Account top right and a drop down will appear. Click on Personal Details and scan down. You'll see the spot for Location. Then go to the bottom and save changes. Thanks! Hope you enjoy the site!

 

[Kiki]

opps.
I posted a link here but it is the wrong thread.
Sorry.

 

[Plip]

Welcome to BYC! Great to have you here!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Chickens don't like their food changed..it may take them a while to get used to it.
Also check the dates on the bag...make sure it isn't old.

X2
Options are either hold out and make this the only offering they get and allow time to adjust (how long since the switch?) Or as you previously had feed they accepted, switch back. Did you change form as well as brand...ie crumble to pellet or vice versa?

 

[lazy gardener]

One step back... They would ignore it even before corn was introduced. They are free range and wouldnt touch it in the feeder. They didnt have a problem with the "excel" starter or grower. Then i bought purina layer and they turned their beaks up at it..

First, check the mill date on the new bag of feed. The nutrients oxidize quickly in grains quickly after they've been milled. So does the vitamin amendment that is added to the feed. So, feed that is past 6 weeks, is feed that is well on it's way to becoming rancid. It's a good idea to check the mill date before paying for any bag of feed. It's my goal to purchase fresh, and have it used up before it is 6 weeks old. I'll walk out of a store before buying old feed.

Second, your flock is snubbing the layer b/c the protein content is lower than that of their starter/grower. IME, they will always choose the higher protein feed. And as other posters have stated, they hate change. If your girls have access to free range, they will often fill up on what they find on range, and use the formulated feed to "fill the hole" if range is found lacking.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under MountainManMark Welcome!

Those are some adorable girls you have there!

I am not going to weigh in on the 'feeding chickens' discussion because I have 5 fussy little bantams who are more cat-like in their preferences "Nope, not in the mood for that today"! I envy those who toss food at their chickens and it is gone in seconds.

Anyways, I mainly wanted to say that I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

BYC has Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group. There are 6 previous discussions under the 'Feeding The Flock' heading, all or some of which may interest you.

If you would like to share more Pictures and Stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[MountainManMark]

Chickassan,
You are correct! Damn..im busted for treats.. But, much like my dog, they eat everything thats not regulated for them. But... Still.. Why do they dislike the layer from purina (or is it the brand)?

 

[MountainManMark]

First, check the mill date on the new bag of feed. The nutrients oxidize quickly in grains quickly after they've been milled. So does the vitamin amendment that is added to the feed. So, feed that is past 6 weeks, is feed that is well on it's way to becoming rancid. It's a good idea to check the mill date before paying for any bag of feed. It's my goal to purchase fresh, and have it used up before it is 6 weeks old. I'll walk out of a store before buying old feed.

Second, your flock is snubbing the layer b/c the protein content is lower than that of their starter/grower. IME, they will always choose the higher protein feed. And as other posters have stated, they hate change. If your girls have access to free range, they will often fill up on what they find on range, and use the formulated feed to "fill the hole" if range is found lacking.

Thanks lazy G! That was helpful

 

[MountainManMark]

Chickassan,
You are correct! Damn..im busted for treats.. But, much like my dog, they eat everything thats not regulated for them. But... Still.. Why do they dislike the layer from purina (or is it the brand)?