Getting Thinner?

[lmdengler]

I give them Purina 16% protein pellets - it’s the best I can’t get. I mix in oats sunflower seeds and scratch. Mostly it’s the feed. I water them with watt mixed with electrolytes and vitamins. Their feeder is ALWAYS full. I also give them table scraps which they haven’t been gobbling up like they do in the warmer weather.

We need some more information in order to help.
What are you feeding? What type of feed and what percentage of protein does it have?
How many treats do you feed?
How often are they fed? How long do they go without food for?
Are their wattles and combs pale?

 

[lmdengler]

Oh - I fill the feeder every morning and again I the evening if it's low.

 

[Splendid Medley]

In hot summer they may fluff and poof more to release heat.

 

[lmdengler]

Tonight I picked up each of them to see how they felt. My orphington felt “meaty”. - she clearly isn’t missing any meals. Bob feels solid. The two sex links feel lean. And the wyndotte seems lean to solid and the barred rock is the same - not heavy but I can’t feel “skinny”on her. All the combs and wattles seem a lovely color not pale. Everyone is active and talkative. I may just be paranoid. I’m so worried about them. Today they got out in the sun for the first time in more than 2 weeks - and got to spa bath in the dirt along the side of the house. We were up to a whopping 13 degrees. Heatwave!

 

[K3nzi3]

Tonight I picked up each of them to see how they felt. My orphington felt “meaty”. - she clearly isn’t missing any meals. Bob feels solid. The two sex links feel lean. And the wyndotte seems lean to solid and the barred rock is the same - not heavy but I can’t feel “skinny”on her. All the combs and wattles seem a lovely color not pale. Everyone is active and talkative. I may just be paranoid. I’m so worried about them. Today they got out in the sun for the first time in more than 2 weeks - and got to spa bath in the dirt along the side of the house. We were up to a whopping 13 degrees. Heatwave!

13 degrees almost makes me happy I live in the desert! I wouldn't be super worried if they seem fine and feel fine. As long as they act normal, I wouldn't worry. We are all guilty of over worrying about our beloved poultry pets!

 

[junebuggena]

I give them Purina 16% protein pellets - it’s the best I can’t get. I mix in oats sunflower seeds and scratch. Mostly it’s the feed. I water them with watt mixed with electrolytes and vitamins. Their feeder is ALWAYS full. I also give them table scraps which they haven’t been gobbling up like they do in the warmer weather.

Layer feed is formulated to be the only thing fed. It has barely enough protein in it for egg production. Mix in too many extras and you are risking serious nutrient deficiencies. If you don't want to stop treating them, then you need to switch to a feed with a higher protein content, like flock raiser or unmedicated starter. That will help them put on healthy weight. And layer feed is not required at all. Hens can get all the calcium they need from crushed oyster shell.

 

[lmdengler]

Hi I've had chickens for most of the past 20 years. In the winter I add scratch to the feed. In my humbleop inion this adds "bulk" and provides for more energy. It takes a lot of calories to stay warm. It also adds fat to their bodies. Here in Florida it's been so unusually cold that I've been feeding them 3 grain scratch 3 x's a day and they're still laying eggs.

What is 3 grain scratch ? I get a scratch feed from TSC. Is that the same?

 

[lmdengler]

Layer feed is formulated to be the only thing fed. It has barely enough protein in it for egg production. Mix in too many extras and you are risking serious nutrient deficiencies. If you don't want to stop treating them, then you need to switch to a feed with a higher protein content, like flock raiser or unmedicated starter. That will help them put on healthy weight. And layer feed is not required at all. Hens can get all the calcium they need from crushed oyster shell.

So are you saying to switch to flock feed if I can get it? And if I can’t get that - switch to unmedicated starter? I apologize if this was already answered- but What level of protein *should* I be sure they are getting? And two last questions - beside the obvious - what is the difference between crumbles and oellet? Why would you select one over the other?

 

[Welshies]

So are you saying to switch to flock feed if I can get it? And if I can’t get that - switch to unmedicated starter? I apologize if this was already answered- but What level of protein *should* I be sure they are getting? And two last questions - beside the obvious - what is the difference between crumbles and oellet? Why would you select one over the other?

Yes that is what junebuggena is saying. They should be getting between 18 and 22 % protein.
Pellets often are a favorite of most people's because there is less waste.

 

[Folly's place]

Flock Raiser only comes as crumbles, it's only disadvantage. I feed it anyway. Chick feeds and all flock feeds are likely to not be pelleted, because it's hard for little chicks to eat them, and it's meant to also feed chicks.
Mary