Not Eating

[Erthlvr]

My chickens are not eating their pellet feed. Could this be something to do with the summer heat? They also won't eat any greens, fruit, or other veggies I put out. I'm getting worried about them. They only eat the little bit of scratch I put out every morning.

 

[nuthatched]

Is the feed fresh? Is it rancid? What's the mill date? It could be the heat, try making a mash with the feed.

 

[Erthlvr]

Is the feed fresh? Is it rancid? What's the mill date? It could be the heat, try making a mash with the feed.

I threw away the bag, but I bought it in March and it has been kept indoors in a bin. It smells fine and there are no bugs or anything. Thanks for the mash idea, maybe I'll try adding some plain yoghurt to it also, one girl's cloaca looks a little red and irritated.

 

[nuthatched]

I threw away the bag, but I bought it in March and it has been kept indoors in a bin. It smells fine and there are no bugs or anything. Thanks for the mash idea, maybe I'll try adding some plain yoghurt to it also, one girl's cloaca looks a little red and irritated.

It could dehydration, unless you see evidence of picking.

 

[Erthlvr]

No, they are definitely drinking - going through about a gallon a day!

 

[Firsttimehens1234]

Chickens eat less in the summer, or at least my chickens do.
Good idea with the mash, mine love it when I make it with cold water and it cools them down.
Have you tried to see if they would like corn or watermelon

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd cut out the scratch 100%. they don't need it. They should eat their feed if hungry enough but that means making sure it's the only food available.