Picky Chickens rejecting feed.

[AmberKnits]

I've known for a while that my chickens were picky. I've got the PVC pipe style feeders. I've been feeding Nutrena Feather Fixer for the last year since they make a mess with anything else I've tried. Any standard layer feed and they scatter it all over the floor.

We currently have chickens of all ages (3 weeks and up) living in the coop/run. That's working out okay except for the feed issues.

I've been experimenting with different starter/growers but no matter what I put out they scratch it all onto the floor. I've probably tossed out around 150lbs of feed in the last month or so. They aren't eating it, and then getting mean about whatever scraps they are given - because they are hungry. Also, I've gotten a soft shelled egg and I've got a few that crack as soon as you pick them up. They have unlimited free choice oyster shell!!!

I caved and filled the feeders with the feather fixer again, and added some smaller feeders with starter/grower.

Is this common? Are they just being ridiculous?? Does anyone have a better idea??

 

[CapricornFarm]

Seems like you should try some different feeders. Feed is too expensive to waste. You might try to transition to another feed. I used to make my own wooden feeders and as long as the area they are eating from is deep enough waste should be minimal. Keep us posted on how this goes. Good luck.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Yeah, chickens don't like change, feed included. When I switch I mix new feed with previous feed 50/50 for 2 weeks and I also scatter a small amount of new feed on dry ground, like I do scratch grains during that time. Also make sure the feed is fresh when you buy. Get the same brand, Nutrena Naturewise starter and grower if you can. Switching brands can make it more difficult. GC

 

[lazy gardener]

How many birds are you feeding? Seriously 150# in a month? Or perhaps a bit less? What is the protein content of the S/G you have tried. IMO, birds seem to prefer the higher protein feed, and it can take them a while to decide to eat anything that is lower protein.

I would revisit the style of feeder you are using. Perhaps build a tray to go under the feeder to collect what they spoon out so you can feed it back to them. It could be a box with 1/2" HW cloth over it, or it could be just as simple as a trash can lid. Don't give them any more until they eat what they have spilled.

Also consider this: if you are having that much feed wasted, you may very well have a rat or mouse problem. Any time I see my feed bill go up without having an increase in number of birds, or a lot of chicks that are growing and eating more every week, I consider the possibility of rodents or even more sinister critters helping them selves to my feed.

To get a better handle on your feed issue, as well as improve the nutrition offered, you might consider switching to fermented feed. It will cut your feed bill while providing improved nutrition. An excellent article written by Tikki Jane can be found in my signature.

Finally, what is the mill date of your feed? Any thing over 6 weeks old is on it's way to becoming rancid, and is lacking nutrient value, and most likely lacking flavor as well.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Lazy is on to something. If you're feeding a mash style feed perhaps a pelletized feed would result in less wastage.

 

[AmberKnits]

To answer some questions...I've got about 30 adults and around 40 chicks (of all ages). They are confined to the coop and 3000sq ft run (not all the chicks are staying). They can't safely free range because our dog doesn't understand how to "play", but they have a really nice set up with a stream and dust bathing areas, swings, perches, a playhouse, logs, trees and brush to hide under.

They've definitely wasted at least 3-4 50lb bags of feed. I did leave the feeders empty for 3 days when they threw 30 lbs on the ground in a day (emptied the whole feeders). They got super mean and hungry, the adults at least. They followed us around complaining. The young ones will eat anything. When I cleaned out the coop last week it was half a garbage can of just feed. One of them knocked over a waterer for the chicks and I had to clean it up. I threw it out in the run and they did pick at it a bit.
I did do the 50/50 for a week - with the same brand. They wasted all the crumbles, ate the pellets.
The first time I tried to switch food (last summer) I was convinced I had other animals getting in the coop because of the mess. I set up a trail cam for 6 weeks. I never saw anything but my own birds, over 20,000+ photos (I did figure out I had an egg eater though).

I can set up a different feeder system. I had preferred this because they generally weren't making a mess with the feed like they did with the standard feed bucket things.
Im not sure of the mill date on the current bags, I do check and take the newest (3-5 at a time) - but once home everything gets transferred into smalller storage bins that hold about 30lbs and is kept in the garage - a good distance from the coop (it's easier to carry, no rodents getting into the bags).

The feed bill is only going up because of the wasted feed, at least that's what it seems like.

I've done some reading on fermented feed, and while it does seem interesting - I'm not sure it's for me right now. I can honestly say I'm not sure I would keep up with it. Between the 5 kids and other animals and some pretty intense diy renovations, I'm a bit burned out.

 

[AmberKnits]

I could separate the young and older birds....I have another building I can use - but they've acclimated so easily this time around.

 

[lazy gardener]

FF could be a very easy set up for you if you could set up a prep station: put your dry feed in a metal water proof can, with secure lid. Mix your feed in 5 gal buckets right beside your dry feed, using a hose to provide water. Then, all you do is feed out a bucket of FF, add more dry, add water, give a stir, and it's ready to go for the next day. I have an extra step, b/c my FF and dry feed are in my garage, and I have to lug the water from my laundry sink which is about 25' away. I use my wheel barrow to trundle the bucket to my coops. Currently, I'm feeding 15 adults, and 39 youngsters who are 13 weeks old.

But, it's certainly understandable if you find the thought of FF to be too much to deal with.

I've forgotten, just to refresh my mind, you are NOT mixing scratch into their feed, correct? Until they stop slinging feed around so liberally, I'd with hold all scratch!

Also, do a price comparison between feather fixer, and multi flock. I'm thinking you will find the multi flock to be more economical. I am skeptical regarding the content of feather fixer, and ? if the extra cost is justified by the content.

 

[AmberKnits]

No scratch in the feed. I use that as a treat, not daily. It's great when I want them all to move to one section of the run or want them out of the coop so I can clean without being bothered.

I'm not sure I've heard of multi flock before - is that designed for a mixed flock of chickens, ducks, game fowl, etc? I can look this weekend at Tractor Supply.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Yes Multi-Flock is a 20% protein with around 1% calcium, so you'll need oyster shell in a separate container. Purina makes a crumble and pellet formula. But my TSC only carries crumble. GC