Picky Eaters

[NewAtThis8]

Recommendations on getting high protein feed in? I have a feather eater and most of my girls have bare butts or bald patches. While working on that issue, I also wanted to add high protein layer pellets to their feed to help regrow their feathers and, if it’s a deficiency that’s causing the picking, would help there too.

The problem is, they don’t want anything to do with it. They pull all the food out of their feeder and eat around the pellets. I’ve got about 70% layer pellets and 30% granola/oyster shell/grains mixed in (a feed they were on that I got from the feed store).

Are there other ways to get protein in their systems if they continue to be this stubborn with the pellets?

Pic of one of my poor girls.

 

[Huntmaster]

Layer feed is usually lower in protein and with you cutting that with other things makes it even less protein%. If you are looking to up protein% and still use a layer feed. You will need to get a layer feed with high protein% and stop adding the 30% extras. Many folks on BYC feed an all flock/flock raiser with a higher protein% than most layer feed with oyster shell on the side.

 

[NewAtThis8]

Layer feed is usually lower in protein and with you cutting that with other things makes it even less protein%. If you are looking to up protein% and still use a layer feed. You will need to get a layer feed with high protein% and stop adding the 30% extras. Many folks on BYC feed an all flock/flock raiser with a higher protein% than most layer feed with oyster shell on the side.

This has 17% protein. The issue is they won’t eat it at all. Is there higher than 17%? How can I get them to eat pellets.

 

[Huntmaster]

This has 17% protein. The issue is they won’t eat it at all. Is there higher than 17%? How can I get them to eat pellets.

I see your adding grains and other things to feed, many of these things is like candy to kids. Remove the other things and they will eat the feed. Your birds may not be used to pellets maybe crush some to add with the other pellets until they to get them used to them and still eating your layer feed without the other things added. I do not feed layer, but I do believe you can find it in higher protein % than 17%.

 

[nuthatched]

Remove everything but the feed, you can feed all flock or chick starter for higher protein.
A healthy bird will not avoid eating if there is food. They're just spoiled. No treats at all for three weeks, after that don't mix it in the food

 

[Perris]

Give them a tin of sardines. Watch them devour some real food with real, complete, bioavailable protein.

 

[Evelynh0924]

Recommendations on getting high protein feed in? I have a feather eater and most of my girls have bare butts or bald patches. While working on that issue, I also wanted to add high protein layer pellets to their feed to help regrow their feathers and, if it’s a deficiency that’s causing the picking, would help there too.

The problem is, they don’t want anything to do with it. They pull all the food out of their feeder and eat around the pellets. I’ve got about 70% layer pellets and 30% granola/oyster shell/grains mixed in (a feed they were on that I got from the feed store).

Are there other ways to get protein in their systems if they continue to be this stubborn with the pellets?

Pic of one of my poor girls.View attachment 3876550

My chickens didn't like the layer pellets either but I liked that it wasn't as messy as crumbles. I read about softening the pellets with water, making a mash. THEY LOVE IT! Each evening, I make a container to put out the next morning. It becomes pretty dense so they aren't scratching around in it, or spilling it. I feel much better now that I am getting them to eat the "pellets"! I also only give them small amounts of treats (scratch, mealworms, watermelon, etc.)in the afternoon, after they have finished their layer pellets. Just like kids - no dessert until they finish their dinner! Good luck!

 

[NewAtThis8]

My chickens didn't like the layer pellets either but I liked that it wasn't as messy as crumbles. I read about softening the pellets with water, making a mash. THEY LOVE IT! Each evening, I make a container to put out the next morning. It becomes pretty dense so they aren't scratching around in it, or spilling it. I feel much better now that I am getting them to eat the "pellets"! I also only give them small amounts of treats (scratch, mealworms, watermelon, etc.)in the afternoon, after they have finished their layer pellets. Just like kids - no dessert until they finish their dinner! Good luck!

Thank you!!!!