Concerns

[rebrascora]

@chickens really
My chickens do absolutely fine on 16% layer which is just as well because finding anything higher in protein is very difficult here. Even grower is just 16%. Chick crumb is usually 18 or 19% but almost always medicated, so not good for layers. If you give your hens lots of lower protein treats like scratch and bread/rice etc then a higher protein feed is a good idea but otherwise 16% is good. They would not make it if it wasn't.

 

[Kusanar]

Yes....Layer is too low in protein and suet is not Chicken feed...Depending on breed? 18% is the lowest ..Some require 21%...

I just did a quick google search to get that info on the feed brand.

I realize that suet is not chicken feed, but, neither are mealworms, grasshoppers, frogs, or any number of things that chickens will catch and eat on their own. It is simply a fat supplement, and actually fairly common for people to give to birds of all types in the winter when it is cold. Also, these birds are not let outside when it is cold, so they likely need some entertainment in their lives.

 

[chickens really]

@chickens really
My chickens do absolutely fine on 16% layer which is just as well because finding anything higher in protein is very difficult here. Even grower is just 16%. Chick crumb is usually 18 or 19% but almost always medicated, so not good for layers. If you give your hens lots of lower protein treats like scratch and bread/rice etc then a higher protein feed is a good idea but otherwise 16% is good. They would not make it if it wasn't.

I feed Grower and never use EVER layer feed and my Birds are great...18% protein and I do not over treat or over free range my Chickens..

 

[rebrascora]

I'm not saying that 18% protein is bad, just that the extra protein is not necessary and they can manage fine on 16% layer feed.
I'm always a bit wary of using mash (as oppose to pellets or crumbles) as there is the opportunity for them to bill through it and pick out the bits they like... usually the wheat and corn and not get enough of the higher protein pulses or minerals that they need. Egg industry birds usually have their beaks clipped, so they cannot selectively pick out individual pieces of grain and therefore get the full nutritional benefit of mash. Back yard birds are probably better fed a pelleted feed or crumbles.... I prefer pellets as there is less waste.

 

[Kaitlin Wimer]

I'm not saying that 18% protein is bad, just that the extra protein is not necessary and they can manage fine on 16% layer feed.
I'm always a bit wary of using mash (as oppose to pellets or crumbles) as there is the opportunity for them to bill through it and pick out the bits they like... usually the wheat and corn and not get enough of the higher protein pulses or minerals that they need. Egg industry birds usually have their beaks clipped, so they cannot selectively pick out individual pieces of grain and therefore get the full nutritional benefit of mash. Back yard birds are probably better fed a pelleted feed or crumbles.... I prefer pellets as there is less waste.

The egg mash is in the crumbles form. The person who sells it has it listed as mash and so i just say mash.

 

[Kaitlin Wimer]

I have the suet bricks in cages that are strung up so that they bob around as the chickens peck at them. They get two a week. The feeders that I use are 3 feet long and get filled up. They do have a scratch block. They also get other things to peck at like cabbage and pumpkins. When the mealworm cakes go on sale at Farm&Fleet, I will buy those.
Since I have been feeding the big gain egg feed, their have been getting bigger and I have not had any soft shelled eggs.

 

[Kaitlin Wimer]

If she looks like she is straining to lay an egg, then that is most likely it. At this time of year the egg shell quality sometimes deteriorates as they get to the end of their laying cycle and soft shelled or shell less eggs occasionally happen. Shell less eggs are particularly difficult for them to expel and take a lot of time and effort. You might want to consider a gentle massage of her abdomen and vent whilst she is soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath and perhaps a little lubrication of the inside of her vent to help get things moving. I also agree with the direct calcium supplement suggestion, to help with contractions as well as future egg shells.
Is she managing to poop at all?
Has she started her annual moult yet?

She is pooping just fine and since she has all her feathers, I Don't think that she has started her moult.

 

[mymilliefleur]

Sorry to hear about your hen!
It sounds to me like she is either egg bound or worse- has an egg broken internally.
Is she just breathing hard, or does she seem to be straining a bit too? Is her crop empty? Do you see anything yellowish or yolk looking in her poo? You can also check her vent.
put on a rubber glove and slather one finger with a little vasiline or veggie oil, then gently insert it into her vent 2-3 inches and feel around for anything that feels like an egg or shell.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How is she doing?

 

[Kaitlin Wimer]

How is she doing?

Her comb is back to a red color but she has not eaten or drunk anything. She is also up and down, up and down. I am not sure. I will see tomorrow.