JM Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 OK - next question... The patch I have the cube on is now more or less bare earth (they only came on Thursday - but there was only a bit of grass to start with as I had reseeded about a month ago after clearing brambles). To make sure they've got greens, I've given them broccoli, cabbage, lettuce and broad beans - all of which they grabbed, threw on the ground and ignored! I've also put some cabbage leaves and carrot peelings into a metal wire ball thing that is attached to the run mesh - they pulled out the cabbage leaves and then ignored them! (They also did the same to grapes and strawberry tops). When they had a bit of free ranging yesterday, they grazed a lot of grass, but also spent a lot of their time voluntarily back in the run. They are eating the pellets and do like a mixed corn treat. So have I just got fussy chickens who don't like their greens, or should I try something else? What does everyone else do? They do seem quite happy though - but I want to make sure they've got all the nutrients they need. I can't really let them free range all the time as I don't know the movements of our local foxes - so they will only be out when we are at home (like most people) ... Thanks J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 You don't say how long you have had them. Maybe they are a bit young for too many taste experiences. Give them time. Once they start laying they eat everything in sight just about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM Posted June 9, 2008 Author Share Posted June 9, 2008 Blimey that was quick! They only came on Thursday - so they've not been here long! They are quite young - one has hardly any comb at all, and the others are a bit more mature as they are bigger and their combs are more pronounced. None of them have much of a tail though. I wondered if it was because they just didn't know what to do with the goodies! I just want to make sure they are getting everything they need! Thanks J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 I would guess it's because they are so young. Also, make sure you don't give them any 'yummier' alternatives if you want them to eat their greens. It's amusing to watch mine at treat time, I upend the treat bowl and they all dive for any soggy bread,pasta or diced cucumber, when that's gone, they move onto any tomatoes or grapes, then they'll scratch around for any corn, only then, when everything else is eaten , will they turn their attention to the cabbage or broccoli , it's like kids- leaving the worst bit of dinner to last ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 They will get a wider taste for things as they get older - having said that, mine wont touch sprouts, broccoli, beans or cabbage (raw or cooked). Never have done and probably never will They do like lettuce though (only if its iceberg) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen&Lee Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 As the others say, I'm sure their tastes will develop. When we first got our chooks they liked, grapes (halved,still don't like whole ) cherry toms (quartered) cucumber (chopped) Spinach always goes down well and pasta is well worth a try. Now, they eat any snack I put in, I was particulary pleased about the dandelion tip I read on here a few weeks ago Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muzzie Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 Mine wouldn't eat anything different when they first came didn't know what to make of it I guess. They would only eat cracked corn as a treat,They now eat just about anything but hate strawberries will eat the tops if there are no other treats but spit the strawberries out and do what looks like a shudder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 Now, they eat any snack I put in, I was particulary pleased about the dandelion tip I read on here a few weeks ago What what what? I missed that one...do please tell!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen&Lee Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 Now, they eat any snack I put in, I was particulary pleased about the dandelion tip I read on here a few weeks ago What what what? I missed that one...do please tell!! Somebody asked the other week if dandelions were OK for chooks to eat. The yes came back load and clear - just throw it all in root and all! My dandelions have never been pulled up so fast and they are always gone by the next day, although they don't bother about them when free ranging Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
