Change feed for injured layer hen?

[h-kay]

Hello All,

I have an injured layer hen RIR mix about two years old. She injured her leg about two months ago and hasn't been laying. I'm managing the injury but I wanted to know if I should change her feed from Layer Crumble to something for non layers? She layed an egg today for the first time in two months. It's ugly. She used to lay huge beautiful brown eggs. This egg is pale and very rough and is also much smaller than others. The condition of the egg suggest a nutritional deficiency or something is off. I'm not looking for good eggs from her. As she only has the one good leg I don't imagine she'll live as long as her sisters. I just want the rest of her to be healthy and happy.
She no longer free ranges with the other girls. She spends her days in a chicken tractor which I move daily to give her fresh grass. She does sleep in the coop with the others but when I leave her out of her tractor the other girls gang up and wont let her eat. She has access to sun and shade and plenty of water. She gets a little scratch like the others and electrolytes on really hot days.

Any thoughts on how I can better meet the nutritional need of my lame girl?

Thanks in advance!

Heather

 

[sunflour]

HI Heather,

I think you need to make sure she has free access to the Layer feed without bullying. Layer feed won't cause harm at her age, even if she is not laying.

If you want to add treats, give her protein treats - mealie worms, cooked eggs to help her heal. If she loves scratch, keep the amounts small.

And continue with the TLC you are already giving her.