Our P O L hens won't eat

[farmer john]

We got six 16week old Isa browns two weeks ago. They won't eat layer pellets or corn and prefer to scratch around in a large moss covered run. To stop them loosing any more weight wev'e been tempted to give then treats such as bread crusts and green cabbage. Should we stop giving treats until they eat their pellets? Worried they might stave themselves to death!

[roitelet]

I'm not a expert on chicken nutrition, but just a thought, have you tried cooking up a few veg peelings and mixing in the layers pellets. The moiature from the peelings dampens the pellets.

Mine will clear a bowl of what I call 'hot breakfast' but don't eat nearly as many pellets when I give them dry.

[shirlthegirl43]

Hello and welcome to the vine.

Sorry to hear about your chook troubles. What were they eating before you got them? I would have expected the supplier to tell you what they were having or even give you a small supply to see you through till you changed their diet.

Maybe they are getting enough from their scratching. Don't restrict their greens but perhaps hold back corn or other treats until they have eaten some mash or pellets.

[JackieAt]

Hi our 4 wouldnt eat pellets but would eat layers mash. We let them have it on its own for a few weeks and then mixed pellets slowly - increasing the pellet quantity. They seem fine now and much less waste.

[kirsty b]

My hybrids also prefer mash, but they are so messy and waste so much. Seriously considering making the change to pellet food.

Hope yours get their appetitie back soon.

[Rooster]

Mine are ex bats and are used to mash, we tried them on pellets but they dont like them as much, I'd contact the breeder and ask what they're used to. Hope this helps.

[terrier]

Ours live on mixed corn and cooked/uncooked greens and stale bread. They won't touch dry pellets. Even when softened up with water and mixed in with the other food they still turn their beaks up at it.

[Birdie Wife]

I'd agree with what's already been said - if they weren't used to eating pellets before they came to you then they probably won't like the taste. If you are worried they are losing weight then a good pick-me-up to get some protein on them is to mash some boiled egg up with some dairy-free milk. They probably won't eat the pellets until there is no alternative so go easy on the corn for a while.

[matthew2riches]

If you buy what is called Layers Mash and mix this with a bit of warm water an serve it up to them in a bowl in a place that they are familiar with.

They love this!

[yoanbob]

agree try the mash rather than the pellets then start to mix in the pellets slowly till there used to it

[farmer john]

Thanks to all for the above advice. We withdrew all treats for a few days and when they realized there was nothing else they started on the pellets. They are now even eating pellets out of my hand !