Dead Barred Rock

[pitterpat4353]

Went out this morning to find one of my chickens dead. My husband opened her up and found a large clot in and around her liver. Everything else looked fine. Fair amount of fat around her bottom, no egg bound. I feed my four ladies one sandwich bag full of spent grains from the local breweries, occasionally a 1/4 cup of chicken Crack and they have access to layer feed that they rarely eat (40# bag lasts over 2 months) plus some leftover veggie scraps. Am I over feeding?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Typically poultry feed should be 90-95% of their daily intake. Layer feed is usually around 16%protein, so anything that dilutes that ratio should be given in moderation.

You may want to cut back on the grains, corn, etc. and see what happens. Offer oyster shell free choice for your layers.


http://www.merckvetmanual.com/poult...f-fatty-liver-hemorrhagic-syndrome-in-poultry

 

[pitterpat4353]

Yes, I have oyster shell and grit available at all times. The research I've done on spent grains shows they are high in protein, up to 20%. So I was hoping this was a great and free alternative to feeding my hens.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, I have oyster shell and grit available at all times. The research I've done on spent grains shows they are high in protein, up to 20%. So I was hoping this was a great and free alternative to feeding my hens.

I don't know much about the spent grains. The protein content sounds good.

You may want to offer poultry vitamins a couple of times a week to ensure they are getting what they need nutritionally since they aren't really eating their layer feed.

 

[pitterpat4353]

Thank you!