new in ohio with hens and lots of questions!

[kat23wg]

Hi,
I'm new to chickens, hens and just about everything. I am really excited about this new avenue in my life however. I recently bought some 11 month old hens from a guy that was zone for 7 and had 40. Needless to say he had to downsize. I'm loving my girls already though. We picked them up Friday night and by Monday morning I already have 11 eggs from 6 hens.!! My issue right now is that they don't seem to be eating much at all of my Purina pellets. I did read that not everyone likes Purina but I needed something fast. They eat when I toss them a couple hand fulls of scratch no problem or the worms the kiddos just found in my garden. I just have barely used or notice any pellets gone. Any thoughts or suggestions? I tried emailing the guy I got the hens from to see what he fed them but no response yet..

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, kat23wg, and

! Great to have you aboard! Glad your hens are laying well. It may well be that the hens are used to a different brand or consistency of food. Hens who have had crumbles (mash) sometimes turn their beaks up at pellets and vice versa. Sometimes hunger is the best teacher. Just make sure they are on a layer ration, not a broiler or anything else. They'll eat it but they need what is in the layer feed to be healthy and keep up with egg production. Also, are you giving calcium (oyster shell) to keep the egg shells hard? Good luck to you and enjoy your flock!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Birds also usually prefer foods like scratch, which is high in fat and unbalanced - like ice cream or chips. Reduce the amount of other foods you offer and they will eat more of their balanced ration. For just a few birds a scant handful of scratch per day is plenty.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[kat23wg]

Thank you all for the welcome! New update..i finally was able to reach the guy who sold me the hens. He states he just fed them dinner scraps and then a local grain store scratch. The last few days my girls havent been laying as well. I have 6 hens ( 4 black australorps ans 2 what appear to be golden comets) ive only received two or three eggs the last few days. I have yet to find 6 eggs. I also noticed their combs are lighter red and some have blackish brown spots on them. Could they not be healthy? Another question... i have the opportunity to get 4 rhode island reds that are 8 months old in the next couple of days. Or i can get a couple of 16 week old golden comets in middle of june... thoughts? Suggestions??