5 year old hen dietary advice

[Yuki]

I have 3 5 year old hens. Two of which I'm worried that they may be fat. They are plymouth rock and comet. How do you tell if they are fat. What is thedifference between fat and muscles by feeling through the skin. Do I stop treats forthose to all together like kale meal worm bread sunflower seeds. Please I just need help I want too give them a long and happy life.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally you feel a chickens breast bone to see how much fat is deposited on it. It shouldn't be sharp or rounded out. Too many treats, especially fatty ones like black oil sunflower seeds and those with empty calories like bread can shorten their lives. Even too many meal worms can tax the kidneys. Treats should be treats and limited for any creature for a hope for a longer life.

 

[Yuki]

Generally you feel a chickens breast bone to see how much fat is deposited on it. It shouldn't be sharp or rounded out. Too many treats, especially fatty ones like black oil sunflower seeds and those with empty calories like bread can shorten their lives. Even too many meal worms can tax the kidneys. Treats should be treats and limited for any creature for a hope for a longer life.

I canfeel only a bit of the breast bone I know that there breeds are prone to getting fat and I understand would be stopping all the treats be best

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I canfeel only a bit of the breast bone I know that there breeds are prone to getting fat and I understand would be stopping all the treats be best

Stopping, or severely cutting back is best. Some treats are good for mental stimulation. Scattering them around the run so birds need to forage for them gets them moving, and gives them something to do.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

https://www.dummies.com/home-garden...to-give-your-chickens-a-physical-examination/

Here's an explanation of body score on a chicken.

 

[Yuki]

Would 1 roll a day for 7 hens be good and 2 hand full of black oil sunflower seeds for then be a start I'm kind of a beginner for older hens I often scatter it out so they do forage they can't free range because of predators and are well protected I would do anything for these birds

 

[Yuki]

Thank you so much

 

[Yuki]

here is the set up the 2 5 year old hens are lazy and love naps they don't like to move much since they are getting older I'm guessing I'm lucky that they are almost 5

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Would 1 roll a day for 7 hens be good and 2 hand full of black oil sunflower seeds for then be a start I'm kind of a beginner for older hens I often scatter it out so they do forage they can't free range because of predators and are well protected I would do anything for these birds

I would really limit that plain sunflower seeds. Either mix it with a bit of cracked corn or even a bit of bird seed. Sunflower seeds can cause a lot of internal fat. I think a roll a day isn't too much but you could try mixing it up with other things they might enjoy that are a bit better for them like fruits or vegetables. Tomatoes, grapes, watermelon, cucumber, lettuce, to name a few things are also good treats. Scrambled eggs can add a protein boost. My chickens love a bit of dry old fashioned oatmeal. So maybe mix it up a bit.

 

[Crazydoglady99]

this

I'd ditch the bread entirely.

Corn on cobs, leafy greens, boiled eggs mashed (inc shell). Looks like you are in the middle of winter, so I'd keep up the mealworms (and corn) to keep a bit of extra weight on.
In the warmer months you want to give things like cucumber, melons, tomatoes etc. Juicy, hydrating foods.
A handful of sunflower seeds, every few days is fine. But take it easy on them.