Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Luvachicken]

Gemma's crop I thought had been behaving itself since our rush to the vets last week, but since being back on the pellets for the last couple of days, her crop is still quite large. Nothing like it was but not that small either.

 

So, this morning I made them 2 big bowls of pellet porridge which they reacted to like it was birthday cake

It is pretty disgusting though I think, mixing it up makes me feel a bit queasy

 

What I was wondering was once I've mixed it and let it cool is that what they eat for the day ?

Or do I mix them up a fresh portion for breakfast, lunch and tea ?

Also they are up and about before me, I don't get up till 7am so will they be ok with no food until I take the porridge out to them ?

[gavclojak]

i think it safer to mix fresh up a few times a day. I personally wouldn't leave it out overnight but would maybe leave a small pot of crumb or mash if you wanted them to have something straight after they get up. But I also think they would be fine until you got up, but I bet they would beg to differ

I kept fauna on porridge for a few weeks after she had sour crop.

[mullethunter]

You and Gavclojak are definitely more careful than me - I would say that unless it was a really hot day, the 'porridge' would be absolutely fine made up in the morning and then left for that day.

 

I also think they can certainly manage to wait until you're up. Mine are shut in overnight at the moment (so no food), and I rarely let them out before about quarter to eight.

 

It does sound like Gemma and Bernie have something similar going on because I would say exactly the same about Bernie's crop at the moment. She's staying on pellets though because none of mine seem to like it wetted down.

 

Good luck

[Luvachicken]

Thank you both for your replies

 

Today they had no choice as I had mixed it up and that is what they had for the day.

Tomorrow though I will make them fresh each meal time - disgusting as it looks and smells.

I might get up earlier for them though - wouldn't want them being hungry or start making a racket.

 

Lets hope Gemma and Bernadette get back to normal soon mullethunter.

[Mars]

It is pretty disgusting though I think, mixing it up makes me feel a bit queasy

Put the pellets in the bowl. add water and leave it, it will be exactly the same, and they will eat it like a birthday cake.

[mimi5]

Luvachicken, I don't mix the pellet porridge. As has been said, I just add warm water and leave to "fluff up"

 

Sometimes mine get dollops of natural yogurt dotted on top and also a sprinkle of quail food which they love!! I make it fresh each day, but not everyday Not that they are spoiled or anything

[dancing cloud]

I add the hot water and leave it overnight, then put it out in the morning and leave it all day. No mixing and definitely no top-up's, though they do have pellets as well.

 

The dunnocks love it and the blackbirds and the robins and the crows, and they're just the ones I see! Miracle the hens get any really

[Luvachicken]

Well, the girls seem to love the pellet porridge

AND Gemma's crop seems a lot better today.

Typically though the girls were up making a racket at 6.30am - not sure if it was because they were hungry or something frightened them, they are normally very quiet.

Tonight I have shut the cube door - that'll teach them