Worrying for no reason?

[Hungry Hannah]

Hiya

Have had my ex batts since easter and all has been fine from the start. But recently they havent really seemed to like their layers pellets (A concequece of not liking the pellets seemed to be a few soft eggs layed late in the evening which made them a bit dopey! and egg production has dropped) and so have mixed them with some warm water to make a mash- which seems to go down better, but why have they changed their minds? still come running to be fed greens and corn, so dont think they've got impacted crops.

Also- worry number 2, when its been sunny they often sunbathe and have a nap outside (which is so sweet) but at the moment its cold and windy and theyre sat sleeping outside.

Am I just worrying too much and as long as they eat and drink theyre ok?

[MaureenHall]

Yes Hannah, I think you might be worrying a little bit too much (but it's better than not worrying at all if you think something might be wrong!!)

Perhaps they've gone off their pellets because they've been getting treats instead? It's a good idea to make them up into a mash like you've done, at least then you know they're still getting a balanced diet. As for them sleeping outside when it's cold and windy, perhaps they just like it The time to worry is if they want to sleep outside at night or show reluctance to go into their coop

[HayleyB]

Don't fret, it is possible they are going through a stage where they are growing their feathers which takes up the protein and calcium used for making eggs, so they go 'off lay' at this time they do spend a lot of time sleeping as well.