[Tenhens]

We have had hens for the past 5 to 6 years and have fed them layers pellets through a feeder suspended from the coup roof with the occasional 'treat' of mixed corn.  Up until now there have been no problems.  Over the past couple of weeks we have given them the corn by scattering rather than through the feeder.  They have stopped eating the pellets and are drinking more.  Occasionally they eat the eggs.

Will they return to the pellets?   We have 12 birds , 9 warrens and 3 Cream Leg Horn.

[joyfull]

try and stop feeding them corn, they will be waiting for that everyday (to them it's the equivalent of giving chocolate to a person - and who wouldn't prefer chocolate to normal everyday food?).

[8doubles]

As Joyfull said .

The layers pellets have everything modern egg laying machines we call  hens need .
If they do not get the calcium and other nutrients they require because of their corn diet the eggs and hens health may deteriorate.

[grinling]

try putting toy eggs in the nest box.
as they get older the shells become thinner and the eggs break and the hen eats it up.  I have oyster shell on it's own as they free range, but my oldest is having difficulties. They also need greens to absorb the calcium.

[Tenhens]

Have cut back on the corn , and have seen some feeding on the pellets so hopefully this 'fussyness' will sort it's self out.  We are also in the midst of extending the enclosure, one of Mrs Tenhens 'projects' to keep me busy " We must look after the girls, musent ruffle their feathers too much!!