Smiler33 Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 Title says it all really. I've been giving them ad lib Smallholder Range Layers Pellets and they're hardly touching it. They do get some mixed corn occasionally too and the odd food s"Ooops, word censored!"s. One of them in particular seems to have lost some weight and their egg production has gone from regularly 3 a day to sometimes 1 or 2. We have had red mites in our Cube too which we are trying to keep on top of with Smite spray and regular cleaning out etc but I wondered if that was anything to do with it? Any ideas? What is a good food chooks love? They are out in our back garden all day (which they've almost trashed ) so are not cooped up all day long. Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 I would withhold all extras and just give them their pellets and fresh water daily for a week or so. They will stop filling up on 'junk' food and should star laying again. If they free range, let them out late afternoon for a couple of hours only. Have you checked them over for lice and mites and wormed them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grb944 Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 have you tried mash? Mine won't touch the pellets When I let them out of the run I scatter mash all over the garden and they peck away all day. If I put mash ( with warm water) in the grub or galleypots they race over to see what it is, then turn there nose up. But I've noticed that when the realise thats all thats on offer, they will eat it I also get mealworm and crunch it up , almost onto a powder and add this to the mash..because they can smell the mealworm but can't see it, they eat up the mash (ish!).]]I've read on here many times " they won't starve themselves"..if they are not get substance from free ranging they will give in and eat the pellets. No harm in worming them again to be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiler33 Posted August 20, 2010 Author Share Posted August 20, 2010 I did try to worm them, but I don't think they got their full dose as they didn't eat the food it was in. We do definitely have red mites - my husband has gone and checked, so we're going to power wash the cube and Smite it, I'll dust the chooks (joy!) and we'll put fresh Aubiouse in which I may sprinkle powder into - will that be OK do you think? I'll follow your advice and keep them in until late pm and not give them any extras. I think the food I am giving them is a good quality one isn't it. Thank you. ETA: Grb944, thanks for your advice re the mash and mealworms. Who would have thought they would be so picky lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 What are you using for worming? It's best to use Flubenvet, and then you can give it to them individually on a grape.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiler33 Posted August 20, 2010 Author Share Posted August 20, 2010 I used an organic one in a tub and you just put 4 scoops in the food. Think the Flubenvet sounds better as then I know they each have some. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 I think you answered your own question when you said they are freeranging all day and have trashed the garden Why eat your tea when you've been filling up in the sweet shop all day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grb944 Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 What are you using for worming? It's best to use Flubenvet, and then you can give it to them individually on a grape.... GOOD CALL !!.. That sounds like a great way to worm them..is Waitrose still open !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
