Picky Chickens. Suggestions?

[Stellarious]

We have a flock of 12 chickens that are not interested in their feed. I suspect it’s because they’re spoiled. We give them salad greens every day, as well as an array of other things. Also, in the past have mixed their feed with black sunflower seeds, scratch, and wheat grain. They would only eat the yummy stuff mixed in and ignore the feed. Obviously some changes need to be made. Are you able to give any suggestions? They need to be eating their base feed for laying and protein.

 

[sloanbychoice]

Giving treats can be a lot like giving them to a toddler. They simply go on strike until they get them. But much like children, the strike can only last so long.
My suggestion: stop all treats, get a separate pan and put their feed in it and add some water to make a mash. They’ll think it’s a marvelous treat, but it’s just their complete nutrition.

 

[Stellarious]

Giving treats can be a lot like giving them to a toddler. They simply go on strike until they get them. But much like children, the strike can only last so long.
My suggestion: stop all treats, get a separate pan and put their feed in it and add some water to make a mash. They’ll think it’s a marvelous treat, but it’s just their complete nutrition.

Ah, that’s a good way to put it. Thanks. I wasn’t sure if doing that would cause them to starve themselves completely or would eventually end. Thanks again

 

[Acre4Me]

agree, make a mash. Then sprinkle a few (really, only a few) delectable yummy seeds on top to entice them…they will eat this new “treat” with gusto!!

Mine like a wet, soupy mash. Others like it thicker like oatmeal.

 

[K0k0shka]

A healthy animal (or child) won't starve themselves in the presence of food. Eventually, they will eat. And if they really do starve themselves to the point of concern, then you've got something else going on. I agree with the others - cut the treats and only feed them their complete nutrition poultry feed. Get it in crumble form - chickens tend to prefer crumble over pellets, as the pellets are big and hard to swallow. Not impossible, and plenty of chickens live on pellets just fine, but if you're trying to convince them to eat it, better choose something they are more likely to enjoy. I give mine wet mash, too, made up of just their crumble and water. They absolutely love it!

 

[Giersons]

My girls are spoiled too… but I have been slowly cutting them back. Now my problem is they only want their fermented whole grain feed. I tried cutting out the whole grain and just crumbles mash and still won’t eat it! I normally give this to them every morning before letting them out to free range, but I would love for them to eat their layer crumbles!

How long can a chicken go without eating because they all pretty much won’t eat their crumbles. I have tried almost every brand on the market and at tractor supply. They run from pellets… at least the crumbles they are curious but don’t eat them freely.

Suggestions?

 

[Folly's place]

The more choices offered, the fussier they will get. As mentioned, they will eat a good balanced diet if that's all there is. Having them malnourished isn't better.
Mary

 

[3KillerBs]

My girls are spoiled too… but I have been slowly cutting them back. Now my problem is they only want their fermented whole grain feed. I tried cutting out the whole grain and just crumbles mash and still won’t eat it! I normally give this to them every morning before letting them out to free range, but I would love for them to eat their layer crumbles!

How long can a chicken go without eating because they all pretty much won’t eat their crumbles. I have tried almost every brand on the market and at tractor supply. They run from pellets… at least the crumbles they are curious but don’t eat them freely.

Suggestions?

Put your chosen, quality feed into the feeder and walk away.

They'll eat when they're hungry.