Our hens don't seem to be eating their pellets

[katssmilin]

Little background info....We had 3 ISA brown hens that we would let free range usually once a day for a few hours when the weather was nice. A few days ago when they were out free ranging a chicken hawk got one and almost took it's head off. 2 of the hens escaped back into their enclosed run. We went out and locked them in and disposed of the dead chickens body. Ever since then we have noticed the hens are not eating their pellets and not drinking as much as they used too. Can anyone give me some advice as to what to do? Could it be that they are stressed from the attack? Could it be they were used to free ranging and now won't eat the pellets? They are acting normal otherwise and laying eggs and will eat treats when we give them. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Kathy

 

[nuthatched]

It's likely a combination of both. Is the feed fresh?

 

[centrarchid]

This may be an actual health issue. Take birds off roost and feel them for breast muscle and overall weight. Then include a picture showing their faces up close so we can see coloration and distension of tissues not covered in feathers.

 

[SueT]

If it’s the same feed they have been eating all along, it surely is due to stress. I had a loss to a hawk 3 yrs ago. It was within sight of the whole flock who was free ranging at the time. They all ran back in. They stopped laying, didn’t eat much for several days. BTW, no one asked to free range again. And we haven’t let them out since.

 

[katssmilin]

It's likely a combination of both. Is the feed fresh?

The feed was put out the same day as the attack and it's been 4 days since the attack

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The feed was put out the same day as the attack and it's been 4 days since the attack

Interesting. So this is feed they normally eat, right? I mean, you did not change their food that day from, say crumbles or a different formula? If this is the case, I would dump that food and give them a fresh batch. It may sound silly, but it sounds to me as if they associate that batch of food with the trauma of the attack. I also suggest you move the feeder to a new location if you can. See if that helps.

 

[nuthatched]

The feed was put out the same day as the attack and it's been 4 days since the attack

I mean, when was it made? What's the mill date?

 

[Mrs. K]

I think this will solve itself if you do nothing. As long as they are active, and moving well, you really don't need to worry. And NOW you are feeding one less bird.

I carry my feed down daily and have for years. Day after day, same count of birds. Same feed. I have often noticed wide swings in the amount consumed. My goal is for the feed bowl to be nearly empty when I get there at night. If it is completely empty, I feed a little more. A lot left, feed a little less.

My point is, the amount varies quite a bit in the normal run of things.

Mrs K

 

[katssmilin]

This may be an actual health issue. Take birds off roost and feel them for breast muscle and overall weight. Then include a picture showing their faces up close so we can see coloration and distension of tissues not covered in feathers.

I have respiratory issues so I will get my husband to do this. Thank you

 

[katssmilin]

Interesting. So this is feed they normally eat, right? I mean, you did not change their food that day from, say crumbles or a different formula? If this is the case, I would dump that food and give them a fresh batch. It may sound silly, but it sounds to me as if they associate that batch of food with the trauma of the attack. I also suggest you move the feeder to a new location if you can. See if that helps.

Yes it's the same type they have gotten since they went off the chick feed. Their feed is in the chicken coop under their nesting boxes and the trauma was witnessed outside. Could they still associate this?