[leddenton]

I have 2 11week old girls who seem active,happy and vocal but will not eat any growers pellets. I feed them in their small run in the morning but they don't eat. They only get a small handful of corn for supper but even when I didn't give that they didn't eat their layers. I am concerned as the friend I got them from said he fed them corn and their siblings are much bigger when I saw them last week. I am worried they are not growing and want to be able to let them out in their big run A.S.A.P. They were out until Dot squeezed through the wire and my dog killed her so I am anxious not to let the same happen to my other 2.

[gracie]

Corn should be a treat not their staple diet. Personally if they are hungry they will eat. What sort of feeder is it. Is the food damp? Is it in date? Have you tried sprinkling food about as they may prefer to forage. Make sure they have water and wait.

[arugula]

Can you confirm if its growers or layers they are not eating?

[leddenton]

Its growers and I opened them 2 weeks ago. I just worry they arn't growing as they should

[ANHBUC]

Its growers and I opened them 2 weeks ago. I just worry they arn't growing as they should

You have to check the use by date when buying feed as it does not have a very long shelf life.  If it is out of date they will not be getting the right vitamins and minerals etc.  I have had to take a a couple of bags back when I realised they were out of date.  The suppliers don't always remove them from display.

Just fill a feeder and leave it in their run so they can eat and drink when they want to.   

[Lindeggs]

That is puzzling - I do find my chickens will eat when they are hungry enough, whether it's their 'favourite' food or not.

Sometimes it just takes very strong will on the part of the chicken-keeper.  Don't give in to them!  Once you are sure their feed is fresh and dry, just leave it in the run with them and don't feed them anything else.  Not even the smallest treat.  Ignore their complaints!  They will soon be eating the pellets.

[leddenton]

Thanks for all advise, i will have to stop fussing!

[Sassy]

We understand your concerns and you have done the right thing by asking. Do as Lindeggs suggests for a few days, if this doesn't work try grinding the pellets up so that they are more like a mash (crumbs) and see if that helps.

Gowers pellets are much bigger than chick crumb so it is worth a try.