switched to purina pellents oyster strong. my chickens are not fond of this.

[Clemmy]

thank you so much GC !

that will definetly help.
any protein suggestions so the picking will come to a stop?
both of my 2 ee's half picked spots near their vent...

 

[Relleoms]

Scrambled or hard boiled egg is a favorite treat of my girls! I’ll also give them kefir or plain yogurt mixed with their pellets occasionally. That might be a good way to get them interested in the pellets.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can also try fermenting it, or at least wetting the feed to see if that gets them to like it a little more. If that gets them to start eating it they'll be more likely to eat it dry as well.

 

[GC-Raptor]

thank you so much GC !

that will definetly help.
any protein suggestions so the picking will come to a stop?
both of my 2 ee's half picked spots near their vent...

I would look for a 18/20% Protein feed next time you need it. I feed a 18% Protein layers pellet. I fed my Golden Comets a 18% Start and Grow feed till point of lay and switched to a 18% layers pellet till last summer when I switched to a 16% layers feed with Omega 3. I fed them 3 bags and was not happy with their appearance or behavior. I switched back to 18% layers feed.
I have had good luck with Feather Fixer feed from Nutrena,(to grow back feathers) it is 18% Protein with a higher fat content, and "Pick No More" cover up lotion. I would try these for your feather picking. I got both at TSC.
If these things don't work you may need to use Pin-less Peepers on the aggressors,

, till the feathers grow back. GC

 

[Clemmy]

thank you everyone. The next time Im at TSC I will be sure to get those. Is it possible for it to go down to a point of cannabalism for my girls????
two of them are being picked bad.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Chickens hate change, so mixing the new food with the old works best. Adding scratch only encourages them to eat the treats and leave the rest!
Is the new food fresh? The mill date should be within four or five weeks, not older. Some vitamins degrade in weeks, and ingredients can spoil if it's really old.
Having separate oyster shell is needed, and grit in another dish is a good idea.
I fed Purina Flock Raiser and have been very happy with it for many years. It's good for everyone, and higher protein than the layer feeds.
Mary

Mary's on to 'sumpthing' Chickens are like 2 year old children when it comes to eating. Anyway, who's in charge at your Ponderosa, you or your chic...... Oh never mind.