Essjay Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Hi everyone, I'm new here so please excuse the question. We got three ex-batts on Saturday and they're settling in well but don't seem to be using their feeders. I put a plastic box of extra water out which I have seen them drinking from. However, they don't seem to be eating their pellets out of the grub and I've only seen them eat grass since we got them (and the odd slug!). Help! I don't want the poor things to starve! Very surprised to see two eggs already and I've put a dustbath tray in their run which is being well used. Will they ever eat? And will they use their grub and glug? I've put some shell and grit out and I've seen one peck at that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esta Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 dont panic the battery hens have been use to cages that they cant stand up in, and plus they are force feed with chemicals to MAKE them lay. because they have NEVER had this sort of life before they it will be very new to them and they will be quite wary, in time they will come and have a peck and then gradually they will get used to it, is it possible that you could put the "grub and Glug" containers on the floor with food and water in and see how they react, once they get use to it, raise it up to one level on your coop, and work your way up to where its meant to be! good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essjay Posted July 28, 2008 Author Share Posted July 28, 2008 Thank you esta for the reassurance. I've moved the feeders to the floor and put an extra different looking pot for food so hopefully they'll catch on soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 It may be that they don't recognise the pellets as food as they will only be used to eating layers mash. I got some mash for my ex-batts, and am gradually mixing in a few pellets so that they get used to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essjay Posted July 28, 2008 Author Share Posted July 28, 2008 I've just rushed out and bought some mash as they were trying to eat the eglu They're tucking in now thank goodness. Thank you for the advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
