ElvisFan Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 What is the correct amount of pellets that 2 chickens should be eating? My 2 a laying and look perfectly healthy but just don't seem to eat hardly any pellets, the grub will stay full looking for a good 4 days before I emtpy it and start again so I seem to be wasting a lot of food, I wouldn't really be worried as they look healthy but when they come out to play with us when we get home from work they seem to devour anything we give them (sweet corn, tomato, celery, couscous etc) like they haven't eaten for a week so I have started to give them a bit extra in case - am I being duped? Any advice would put my mind at rest. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevf1 Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 are they free ranging... ?? mine never seemed to eat a lot nof pellets i now feed them mash and they love it.. they will eat what they need.. but can i suggest you only put about half the amount you are now if your throwing it away easier to top it up regular than waste it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 If you are concerned, it's best to stop all treats and give them pellets only. I know it sounds harsh. Pellets provide everything the hens require, so treats should be just that, and given in the afternoons only. I chook will not starve herself so will scoff the pellets eventually I think a laying hen should have 125g each a day. Although thinking about it, that sounds quite a lot! I am sure somone will be along shortly who know more to help you out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hens@HalfMoonLane Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 Why don't you change the pellets you are using, mine definately prefer some brands over others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bertrum Posted August 4, 2010 Share Posted August 4, 2010 We are in exactly the same situation. We were sure that they were eating no pellets at all. We cut down on the treats and only give them after 3 in the afternoon, usually combined with an hour of free ranging. We see them eating pellets now, but they still don't seem to make much progress through the contents of the grub. We will have to throw a bag of food away at this rate because it get past its use by date in September. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElvisFan Posted August 4, 2010 Author Share Posted August 4, 2010 I have been thinking and I have seen them eat pellets but not much but they love the corn, flint, oyster shell mix we put them back in the run with before they go to bed, do you think it would be OK to mix some of that in with the pellets ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted August 4, 2010 Share Posted August 4, 2010 I would stop mixing corn with your grit, your girls need to eat their pellets as they are a complete balanced feed - corn should be a treat you give late afternoon really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevf1 Posted August 4, 2010 Share Posted August 4, 2010 if you mix it wiothy corn they will pikc out the corn... as suggested try a different brand.. my two prefer mash dunno why we dampen it so it clogs up a little.. egg production hasn't been a problemsince.. they do get some pellets mixed with corn now and then.. they wont starve they will eat it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
