Helping feathers regrow

[Chris09]

Quote:
BOSS is 15% protein, not really that high.

True not that high but added as a supplement to you layer feed and it will help them out allot.

That would be do to high level of fat.
Feather need a fair amount of Protein to regrow quickly but they also need Fat, Vitamins and Minerals.

Chris

 

[Miyashi]

I was going to try the Manna Pro stuff out myself.
Might help?

 

[colby318]

I use the Manna Pro Poultry Conditioner in their scratch, also. If I mix it in their crumbles, they pick around it. Since I use the dry kitten kibbles, I have free choice oyster shell and use Purina flock raiser. My wyandottes are slow maturing and they free range 4 hours a day. I haven't had a problem with any of them running to fat...they have rock solid legs and breasts.

 

[Animalian]

Three things Flaxseeds, Protein and Vitamin A

Flaxseed. Full of omega 3's which are the good fats that make up sell walls. If their skin/system is really healthy then they can bother putting the effort into growing feathers.

I would be feeding them mealworms, crickets, yogurt, cottage cheese, little strips of beef to boost their protein to help encourage the growth of keratin (which is what beaks, feathers and claws are made of).

Also if they have a Vitamin A deficiency their cells will hold onto the keratin rather than making feathers out of it. Good foods for that are sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy vegetables, and even paprika, cayenne and chilli powder! (don't worry the birds can't feel the burn!)

 

[Chris09]

On the Keratin,
Keratin refers to a "family" of fibrous structural proteins, a deficiency in keratin causes feather to grow more slowly and cause already-existing feathers to be weak.

Vitamin C helps absorb vegetable-based proteins in the fowl, which are building blocks for keratin
]Citrus fruits, peppers and brussel sprouts are examples of fruits high in vitamin C that can increase the development of keratin.

Vitamin B7, or Biotin, helps in metabolizing proteins, the foundation for keratin.
Cauliflower and broccoli contain vitamin B7 and can improve the properties of keratin, whole grains are another good food sources that promote the generation of keratin.

Protein-rich feed are important because protein assists in the production of keratin.
Lean meats, animal kidney, liver, poultry (yes poultry) and fish to help build keratin protein in the fowl. Avoid feeding fatty red meats.
Low fat dairy products have essential amino acids that boost keratin production, so you offer some foods such as lowfat milk, cheese and yogurt for added keratin development.

Sulfur, is highly concentrated in keratin.
Eggs, dried beans, kale and soybeans will help in the keratin development.

Another food keratin source is gelatin, which comes from the collagen in animal bones and hooves, and can add to the strength of keratin cells. Gelatin can be found in some yogurts and Jello.

Most good poultry feed contains Keratin in it. Look for a feed that contains Animal Proteins.

Note that Keratin should not be confused with Carotene.


Chris

 

[Animalian]

oops. nevermind

 

[kimice]

wow! Thank you guys so much for all of the info. I am feeding FRM layer pellets right now with flax seed. I give them crickets as a treat too. I will try to start giving them some leafy greens as well for the vitamin C and keratin. I have only had them 2 days now so I have not let them out of the coop yet. This weekend when I start letting them graze around the yard ,will they get those vitamins from the greenery in the yard? On another note...I got my first two eggs yesterday!

Will post a picture as soon as I figure out how to do it!...lol

 

[colby318]

:d