Single hen

[paynerj]

Hello all.

 

I have had my girls for nearly 2 weeks now. My son named them Buck and Cluck. I wonder why?

 

They seem perfectly happy in their new eglu and have also done some free ranging in the garden.

 

From the advise on this site, they have a good supply of layers pelets and grit and get treats in the afternoon. They like bread (home made of course) sultanas and sunflower hearts. When I gave them some bread this afternoon, they went mad for it as if they were starving. The pelets were topped up on sat and have hardly gone down. Am I giving them something I shouldn't or might they just not like the pelets (but they need them to produce eggs don't they?)

 

Any advise or assurance galdly received.

[Egluntyne]

They don't eat huge amounts of pellets till they come into lay, and then their appetites romp away.

 

TBH I would only give them one small treat a day, as too many will crowd out the pellets by reducing their appetites.

[Mazzarina]

When I gave them some bread this afternoon, they went mad for it as if they were starving.

Chickens do this quite a lot! If you saw the way my girls reacted to a handful of corn, you'd think they lived in a Victorian workhouse. Consummate actors, these chickens...

[TAJ]

A treat should be just that - mine do not get something everyday and the quantity given would not = more than 20% of their diet. I would very much limit treats and ensure they are not routine - otherwise they will just hang out for the good stuff!

 

Tracy