Why won't they eat???

[luvchicks8]

I just switch my chickens 17-30 weeks (not laying) over to layer and none of them will touch it. I feed them last night there food was still in their feeder which never happens and they would not eat it this morning either. When I let them out they dove right into the grass so I gave them some of my lil guys starter and they attacked it? Should I put them back on grower with oyster shell mixed in?

 

[Ridgerunner]

You might try mixing the food. First, use 25% layer - 75% normal. Then 50% each. Then 25% normal - 75% layer. Then 100% layer. Give them a couple of days on each ratio.

 

[AmyRey]

Mine don't care a lick for the layer crumbles either, but they get a lot of grass/bugs since they're out to roam most of the day.

I'm guessing that if they start laying and have troubles then I might have to keep them penned up a bit more so they'll eat it and not the other goodies?

 

[luvchicks8]

Thanks I went out bought more growing and mixed it and they seem to be eating it

 

[elmo]

Remember, chickens are suspicious of new things. They may not have recognized the new food as food! But once they get started eating it, they'll do fine.

 

[luvchicks8]

Thanks everyone

Now if they would just lay an egg lol