Gout In Chickens

[Tcraw]

Hi, my 6 year old buff orpington has gout in her feet and I'm not sure how I can treat this. It is not bumblefoot, (I've dealt with that before) nothing is broken. She is still eating but not as much and she is still drinking as I've seen her poo but I think she needs to drink more. Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Welcome. Do you have pictures to share? I've had older hens get arthritis in their feet. Gout is generally caused by too much protein, calcium, vitamin deficiencies or imbalances, and things like kidney failure. It can also be caused by not enough water.

 

[Tcraw]

She walks a little but will then sit. I took her to the vet and they x-rayed her whole body and thought she needed more calcium. I later found she was eating my wild bird food from the grandkids so I think she probably did get a lot of protein.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

And the fat too from the seeds. I'm not sure if you do anything but provide plenty of fresh water and feed just a formulated ration. I will tags some people who may know if there is a treatment or not.

@Eggcessive , @Wyorp Rock

 

[Eggcessive]

Seeds do not have that much protein, but there can be many different possible causes of gout, including too much calcium or sodium in the diet. Some people are trying cherry juice extract to treat gout in their chickens, since that can be affective in humans. Always have plenty of water and water stations available, and provide a balanced diet. Here are some good articles about the causes of gout and treatment:
https://thepoultrysite.com/articles/gout-management-in-poultry

https://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36