Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

Yes, they are fat. I can’t tell by looking at them or feeling them, but there have been four necropsies revealing excess body fat, two of which resulted in fatty liver hemorrhage.

Oh i see! For some reason I thought being fat was entirely different from fatty liver disease. Mainly because one of my friends had fatty liver disease and he was not fat.

 

[Kris5902]

Let me know what you find! Yes, mine have been on a soy protein feed. Remember I used to have them on soy-corn free, but the milling company switched to sesame meal and it gave my girls poopy bums? They still have poopy bums, but now I think it’s probably from having fat a$$es.

Thay are on Modesto Milling layer, 17% protein, minimum 3% fat. I sometimes mix in some starter-grower to increase the protein (22%). I’ll have to check the fat content on that.

I know your feeds are quite different down there… so many more options, can you find a non-vegetarian feed? That’s what I do to avoid excessive amounts of soy. I have to be more careful about the goats and cows trying to get into it, because of the animal proteins in it, but I far prefer the smell and texture over the locally available vegetarian ones.

I cheated on Tuesday m and didn’t pick up my usual brand, I got the vegetarian one… just to get me through until Monday, because I didn’t want to stress my mom out with yet another stop in town and figured the chickens wouldn’t really mind. Well the free Rangers on the shorter rations didn’t seem to mind much, but the two tractors I fed the vegetarian feed had mixed reactions. Barney’s girls tossed most of it out of the feeder and ate about half. Mr Marans ladies were far less impressed. They tossed it out of the feeders completely and hardly touched it. The tractor chickens get unlimited pellets because they have more limited access to forage. It could be a very long weekend…

 

[DaisyBuff]

Quick update: my little wet peep didn't make it. I suppose the other chicks were bullying him/her and was at the bottom of the chick pecking order.

 

[DaisyBuff]

I am still happy that I have 11 more happy, healthy chicks! Hopefully that one is all I will loose. She is beyond the rainbow bridge, and happy now. I know not all baby chicks make it. I am grateful for everyone of my still living chicks.

 

[bgmathteach]

Coop time, and Shenandoah is still outside somewhere. Everyone else came in on time. I’m still waiting.

Thinking broody perhaps? Or just found a nice stash or worms too delicious to leave?

 

[BY Bob]

It's Friday!!!

The sun is out and so are the ladies! The first of many bums today, I hope!

 

[BY Bob]

I Wonder......

This hen slept on these eggs last night.

 

[BY Bob]

I know your feeds are quite different down there… so many more options, can you find a non-vegetarian feed? That’s what I do to avoid excessive amounts of soy. I have to be more careful about the goats and cows trying to get into it, because of the animal proteins in it, but I far prefer the smell and texture over the locally available vegetarian ones.

I cheated on Tuesday m and didn’t pick up my usual brand, I got the vegetarian one… just to get me through until Monday, because I didn’t want to stress my mom out with yet another stop in town and figured the chickens wouldn’t really mind. Well the free Rangers on the shorter rations didn’t seem to mind much, but the two tractors I fed the vegetarian feed had mixed reactions. Barney’s girls tossed most of it out of the feeder and ate about half. Mr Marans ladies were far less impressed. They tossed it out of the feeders completely and hardly touched it. The tractor chickens get unlimited pellets because they have more limited access to forage. It could be a very long weekend…

I guess they don't like soy and prefer their protein from animals. Picky little omnivores.

 

[BY Bob]

Quick update: my little wet peep didn't make it. I suppose the other chicks were bullying him/her and was at the bottom of the chick pecking order.

I'm so sorry. I was afraid I would see a post like this. I was guessing it fell in the water because it was unwell. I fear that losing one that young is not uncommon.

 

[BY Bob]

I am still happy that I have 11 more happy, healthy chicks! Hopefully that one is all I will loose. She is beyond the rainbow bridge, and happy now. I know not all baby chicks make it. I am grateful for everyone of my still living chicks.

It's never easy but yes, you are still blessed with a bunch of happy LEGHORNS!