Why aren't they eating?!

[frankenchick]

My chickens usually attack the feeders in the morning. It's like a scrimmage. Last week, the TSC had nothing but pellets, and we were out of food, so I bought those rather than the crumbles the girls have eaten for years.

Yesterday, when I went to turn the light on at dusk, I noticed that there was at least a scoop full left in the one feeder (I give them 6 scoops, or about 12 c.). Today, they didn't seem interested. Do they just not like this form of feed -- it's the same brand and % protein -- or is there another possible issue?

 

[LynneP]

I'd moisten the pellets for a few days. Give in a stock bowl.
They get persnickety at the texture change and because it's winter I'd cater to them for a while to get them eating.
You can mix with a little oil or yogurt, too.

 

[frankenchick]

Thanks.

 

[janie's silkies]

What is the story on giving chickens oil in their feed and what is best?I have one white silkie rooster and two gray silkie hens

 

[chookchick]

Some chickens just don't ever like pellets. They do better when introduced at a young age. Grind them up, or do as Lynne P suggests, to make sure they are eating. Keep a close eye on them, if they never take to them you should go back to crumbles, as they CAN starve themselves.

edited because I should be in bed and make stupid typing mistakes...

 

[rcentner]

my chooks would not eat pellets (when I got the wrong bag from TSC), I called TSC and took it back, they traded me for a bag of crumble. If it is Layena don't worry...they will take it back as purina is very good about that. If TSC doesn't help you, call purina cause they will.

 

[LynneP]

How are the chooks today?