Best way to keep weight on geriatric birds?

[GallusGal]

My two chickens are getting on in years and do not seem to keep weight on as well. We have indeed had them treated for parasites so this is not the cause; I think based on previous chickens I've kept it is simply a matter of getting old. They're not pathologically thin/emaciated, but they definitely aren't the plump birds they were in their younger years.

Currently my birds are fed a mixture of layer pellets, whole grains, corn, leafy greens, and a variety of veggies & legumes on a rotating schedule. They also get superworms, caterpillars, and crickets periodically for treats. I considered upping the bug content in their diet but was not sure if this would be good for their kidneys in their old age. Would it be safer to start feeding legumes daily instead of rotating them with veggies? Your advice appreciated.

 

[Chris09]

Quote:

We have indeed had them treated for parasites so this is not the cause

What did you treat them with?

What is the Protein amount of the layer?
You say that they are getting a mixture of layer and other stuff, how much layer to other stuff are you feeding them...

You may be feeding way too much other stuff (treats). The main diet for your birds shoud be the layer feed..

Chris​

 

[GallusGal]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

To clarify, they've been on the same diets their whole lives and have only recently & gradually gotten a bit on the thin side. We've tended to see the same in our geriatric birds which is why I'm wondering if I should be doing something different for old timers. But, at any rate, the diet is definitely dominated by the pellets. I don't know if I could give you a % but the majority of their food is layer pellets, merely enriched with the other items.

We treated them with Wazine; it's an anti-parasitic used for commercial chicken operations so I'm assuming it should do the trick? We've always used it on our birds and have had thier fecals checked by vets before, have never turned up with evidence of parasites. Is there something better I ought to be using just in case?

So should I feed HEAVIER on pellets rather than say, upping some of the higher protein/fat items in their diet? Or...?

ETA: Not sure on the exact % protein. It's the Blue Seal brand. I'll look it up now.

ETA2: Oh my, looks like the blue seal stuff is too low in protein, eh? 16%? Would it be OK, then, to up their legumes & bugs to make sure they get more?

 

[Chris09]

16% is what I would call low. I like to stay at 18% or better. I dont know if you can get it where you live but Buckeye has a real good 18% Layer/Breeder.
You could up there feed and see what that does..

Chris

 

[Pine Grove]

IMO,The older the bird the less protein that should be fed, For older birds I like to keep it around 12%..

 

[MissJenny]

If it were me I'd been adding cream cheese and other fattening foods to her diet. Peanut butter, bacon. avacado, any kind of nuts or sunflower seeds...

I have the same issue withan elderly cat who is losing weight due to her age. For her I try to amp up the fat content wth everything I can think of that she will eat.

Let us know if you find something she particularly like that works.

Jenny

 

[teach1rusl]

Personally, I'd just offer them yummy treats occasionally in addition to their regular diet. I agree with the nuts and such mentioned before. I think it's just natural that they're going to get a little bonier with age...but if they seem happy and "normal" other than thinning out, I'd just keep doing what I'm doing. It's nice to hear that you care about your aging chickens so much...

 

[GallusGal]

Yeah, they're acting fine, they're just a bit on the scrawny side for my liking. As I said, not emaciated, but when I feel them over they're thinner than they were a few years ago.

I'll play with their diet a bit and see if I can't get a little more weight on them. If not perhaps I shouldn't panic so long as they're healthy and not getting dangerously thin?