Picky with food.

[Linda1218]

Does anyone have the same issue ? My 4month buff orphington is so picky with her feed which is grower feed mix with scratch,and oyster shells. She would eat a bit and go over to the chick side and eat up all there chick start feed?what am I doing wrong here.

 

[ValerieJ]

Sounds like she isn't getting what she needs from the feed that has scratch mixed in. Take the scratch out. Chickens don't need scratch at all. Consider it a training or herding tool, or a very special occasional treat. It's like feeding your kids candy.

Another thing might be the feed you are using for the older pullets. Is it pellets? I do have some full grown hens who will still not eat pellets, so I don't bother with it.

 

[Linda1218]

Sounds like she isn't getting what she needs from the feed that has scratch mixed in. Take the scratch out. Chickens don't need scratch at all. Consider it a training or herding tool, or a very special occasional treat. It's like feeding your kids candy.

Another thing might be the feed you are using for the older pullets. Is it pellets? I do have some full grown hens who will still not eat pellets, so I don't bother with it.

Its not pellet its crumbles and thanks I'll take ur advice no mix scratch. Let see how it goes.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

By any chance, do you know the mill date of the feed your BO is not enjoying? The quality of ingredients in feed deteriorate somewhat quickly so if it's stale or old (not really talking about expiration date), they'll possibly look for a better alternative. This is something I've learned here, and there is a lot of information on this. I agree with the above poster, leave the scratch out completely. It might be a good idea to offer the oyster shell in a separate dish on the side as free choice, instead of mixing it in. I know that my pullets do better on higher protein feed. The like Purina Flock Raiser which is 20%, I believe. The Grower feed I purchased was 16% and they weren't fans plus they started eating feathers (which could suggest they need more protein). @Kiki is really amazing at this feed/nutrition stuff
Also @EggSighted4Life is another one that really knows her stuff

 

[ValerieJ]

By any chance, do you know the mill date of the feed your BO is not enjoying? The quality of ingredients in feed deteriorate somewhat quickly so if it's stale or old (not really talking about expiration date), they'll possibly look for a better alternative. This is something I've learned here, and there is a lot of information on this. I agree with the above poster, leave the scratch out completely. It might be a good idea to offer the oyster shell in a separate dish on the side as free choice, instead of mixing it in. I know that my pullets do better on higher protein feed. The like Purina Flock Raiser which is 20%, I believe. The Grower feed I purchased was 16% and they weren't fans plus they started eating feathers (which could suggest they need more protein). @Kiki is really amazing at this feed/nutrition stuff
Also @EggSighted4Life is another one that really knows her stuff

Yep! And this ^^!! Fresh feed is important. But, what a smart girl you have to be telling you what she needs! Also, chick feed is higher in protein, so @Momplus1 is right on that as well. She might be going for more protein. How do they know? I dunno. They just seem to go for what's best for them.