Omlet cube and run

[Goldie]

Hi all - new to the forum but coming up to my first anniversary of chicken keeping! A lot more work than I first imagined but they're worth it I have been feeding a Jollyes layers pellet since I got them, but they seem to be eating less and less these days (of their pellets, not corn!) and I'm wondering if they could have 'gone-off' this food?

When I asked at the pet shop they assured me it was Dodson and Horrell layers pellets, bagged up for them and sold on cheap(!) But I'm not so sure. Would a change of food increase their appetites? They free range in woodland/lawn/flowerbeds! most afternoons, but they come running back at the promise of corn! I want them to enjoy their food more, since they don't often partake in any veg that we offer either.

What food do you choose and how well received is it among your flock?

Thanks,

Goldie

[suebee]

Hi.... I use Fancy Feed layers pellets, though last time I ordered them, they were subbed with an 'identical' pellet made by the same company, bla bla bla... Were they heck... full of clumpy pellets and even some pony nut sized ones in there, which I'm having to fish out. On the plus side, they smell the same, the ingredients read ok, and the chooks are eating them, but next time, I'll make sure I get the stuff I ordered!

 

Quality of pellets can vary, and amongst the different makes, some folks will say their chooks prefer certain ones. Some will swear by certain brands too. It's a matter of studying the labelling to see what goes into them, and going for one you have confidence in.

 

With your chooks, I'd watch that they're not holding out for their corn too much, at the expense of their pellets... (in other words, having you on. )

[auntielizzie]

Two years chicken keeping experience here and what I have learnt is that I should have ignored their pleading little faces making out that they weren't quite happy with these pellets, those pellets," don't even think about the other pellets, I'm sure we'd be happier on mash" and "we want mash and treats and lots of lots of other things or we're going to stop eating and not lay any eggs" Stupidly I fell for it all and have come to the conclusion that I should have just stuck with the original layers pellets (organic) with grit and oyster shell, with plenty of fresh water, occasional greens and the odd treat of mealworms.

 

They really are funny little things and the way they get so excited to see what you might have for them just tricks you in to thinking maybe there's something more you should be giving them. Just choose a type of pellet that you are happy to feed them (as suebee says, just check the ingredients and if you are satisfied with that you're giving them, then they will be fine). Be aware though that they are always waiting for your weak moment and then they will strike. Before you know it, they won't eat anything but hold out for mealworms, corn, raisins, sweetcorn and any of the other lovely things you might bring.

 

I just wish I'd never started with mash as it's sooooo messy and the WILL NOT go back to pellets no matter how hard I try (although probably I'm still letting them get the better of me ). Love them to bits, bless their little hearts

[merlina]

Mine get Allen and Page organic layers pellets.

I'm not sure they ever 'love' pellets

(that's why they don't overeat on them I guess)

They would far rather have treats and corn and so forth.

I'm rather weak willed and have been spoiling mine as they've just been allowed back out after all the snow

when we go back to 'normal' they will sulk and not eat their pellets for a day or two

I also note they eat far fewer pellets when they have a lot of FR time - i guess they just find yummy bugs and snails to fill up on

[redcharlie43]

I have to say that my chickens get whatever I buy when I am out and about. Sometimes it basic stuff and other times its branded. Sometimes mash and sometimes pellets. It depends on where I am out shopping when I need to stock up. So far they just eat what they are given and I have not noticed they are going hungry. They certainly like their treats and If I am worried that the food doesn't seem to be going down then I check their crops are full at the end of the day. If they are FR in the garden they eat a lot less of their "proper" feed. If you are worried they are not eating enough just check their crops before they go to bed. If they are hungry they should eat whatever is available. It seems to work for me and the chickens are healthy, quite fat and laying lots of lovely eggs

[good_egg]

I too have been suckered by their little pleading faces! That and the fact if I don't deliver the right stuff they chase poor Annette as if to say "bring us the good stuff or the maran gets it" either that or they think its her fault. Strangely it is the only time they ever bully, usually get on with just the odd peck! Anyway, their food of choice is of course the expensive Garvo alfamix!

[patsylabrador]

Mine get layers pellets but like redcharlie43 I couldn't tell you off the top of my head what brand. They tuck into what's in their foodbox. They really like it when I sprinkle vermx on top.

Occasional treats are welcomed with screams of delight - I assume. They got very excited about warm brioche (i tried to bake some but it went horribly wrong) and they always go bed with a corncob. They're 4 now and in fine health

[Goldie]

Thanks all for replies - Sounds like they have me well and truly trained! I'll be harder on them from now on, although still don't understand why they don't fancy any veg when it gets offered!

 

Nice to hear it doesn't really matter about the brand, they are laying nice eggs and it seems to agree with them. Thanks for the tips about not trying mash....it had crossed my mind but not wanting to get them used to it if it's a big hassle.

 

How much corn is too much? There's 3 chickens and they get a handful between them in the afternoon. One has crop troubles and I know it's not great for that, so I try not to overdo it (probably why they're always looking for more!). Does that sound about right?

[auntielizzie]

The only greens my girls seem to like are what are called spring greens. They love one of them hung up in the run. They don't seem to like any others (although they like left over salad leaves - especially watercress spinach and rocket mis I discovered the other day that they don't like peas (leftover cooked ones)

[Mrs_B]

How much corn is too much? There's 3 chickens and they get a handful between them in the afternoon. One has crop troubles and I know it's not great for that, so I try not to overdo it (probably why they're always looking for more!). Does that sound about right?

 

That sounds OK to me! I have four hens and often give them a little more than you do, and they've been fine.

 

Regarding your first question, I started on Garvo Alfamix (like good_egg) but it's just too expensive and I found they often picked out the nice bits and left the rest. Since then have tried mash and an even finer food (both became too messy, even if one claimed it was less so!) and of course at the start my girls refused pellets. BUT I'm going to go for Garvo pellets next time I need to order food and am going to stick to it, they won't starve, however much they seem to go on 'strike'

 

Fingers crossed

 

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