Cat tunnels for catio wanted

[Grandmashazzie]

I am new to chicken keeping so this is my first winter and very worried about this bad weather.Just started snowing here today and for the first time ever my girlies have not eaten much.Is this normal?I give warm mash in am then pasta and corn in pm and I was hoping they would eat well to keep them warm but when I was putting them to bed a lot of mash was in bowl and also pasta,they usually clear lot,does their appetite go down in cold?

[mimi5]

Well I'm not sure really, but I'm also having left over pellet mash. I was thinking with mine it's because they've not been out free ranging for a few days (since the snow) and seem quieter confined to their run. I do also have grubs full of pellets and a little corn added as I work 3 long days and they are used to helping themselves!!!! I am getting 2 eggs most days from 2 of my babies!!

 

You could check their crops are full at night (I've been checking one of my older hens as she has been moulting) As long as they seem well, red combs/faces, no sniffles sneezes etc I wouldn't worry too much.

[Grandmashazzie]

Oh thank you mimi5 I never thought of checking their crops I'll do that tomorrow evening.Yes otherwise well.

[AEH]

I have the same problem. Both my girls are refusing to come out of the coop(can't blame them) and are not eating with very little food in their crops at night. They are seriously beginning to worry me now. Is their behaviour usual? I had them during the 2010 bad winter and this wasn't an issue. Could they be depressed because they lost their buddy just before Xmas? Any advice gratefully appreciated.

[mimi5]

Oh dear. Can you tempt them with their favourites??? What about making them a warm pellet porridge in the morning?? (just their usual pellets and enough warm water to make them swell but not go soggy!) Have they been wormed recently? Do they seem well otherwise? Are they moulting? Combs red?

 

You could try giving them something like lifeguard in their water. Let us know how you get on.

[Grandmashazzie]

My girlies have picked up slightly ,eating well.Daytime temperature was back up to 5 so I don't know if that's why they are eating more.Appetite def down on the snowy cold days,but seem bright enough,they have lifeguard in one water and ACV in other,hope that's ok,both at same time.I hope your girls pick up soon too.