only eats commercial pellets

[Indy2807]

I bought 4 chickens 4 days ago for the first time. They are from a nearby poultry farm (all 22 weeks old) but all they will eat is commercial pellets. I've given them fresh veges, fruit, herbs out of the garden and even cooked oatmeal with some sunflower seeds and honey but they won't touch anything except the pellets. Is this normal for new chickens? I haven't let them free range in the garden yet, as I read that they need to get used to their house first.

 

[Outpost JWB]

What type of chickens are they? What type of feed are they on? Layer pellets, Crumble, All flock, or something else?

It's probably just a matter of getting used to you and their new home. My chickens eat like hogs. I have bought chickens off people who said they would only eat certain types of feed.....only to find out they fit right in with my group and will eat the same things.

 

[bdjh]

I wouldn't worry too much about it.....keep giving them their pellets, and occassionally something else for a treat. They may try it, or not. They certainly don't NEED anything else.

I suspect once they start free roaming, that they'll realize there's more to eat than just pellets, and eat almost anything.

 

[Indy2807]

They are New Hampshire/Orpington cross and are on layer pellets. I guess because I've just got them, I'm a bit worried they're not getting all their nutrients...my partner said I will kill them through over-feeding but I just don't want them to be unhealthy! I'll just keep putting various fruit and veges in their house until I find out what they like. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Outpost JWB]

No worries. Take care and keep us posted. Also,

Let us know if we can help you in anyway. I have been keeping chickens for a little over 3 years. Learning everyday STILL. We started with 6 layer hens on our 3 acres. We are now up to 103.....I think. And more due to hatch on Tuesday. Have a great day!

 

[woody1]

Chickens are just that, chicken.... WHat? I've never seen that before! Can't be good for me can it? Just continue as you are, they'll figure it out eventually. They came from a poultry farm and have never seen anything but......well,... what they've seen. Chances are if you throw a live worm in front of 'em it'll just scare them until finally one of 'em picks it up. Then watch out! Without mama's to teach them how to really be chickens, they've got to figure it out for themselves. Another reason we try to keep a few of the older girls around to show the new season birds how real chickens live! Regards, Woody

 

[Lil Go Peep]

Some of our newer birds are like that too- had one I swear growl at watermelon - but only takes 1 bird or 2 to get them all into it - everything is scary at first until they realize it's good stuff

Can drop something in there different each day to see what they like and go from there -

Never heard of death of "over feeding" - ours have food always available to them and once in while if we have something they can have they get it- chickens are garbage disposals - they practically eat all day.

I still wonder where they put it all - lol