Hens combs going pale

[lazy gardener]

There's your answer: The protein is very low. They need at least 16%. It does not have the vitamin and mineral balancer either. So, it's no wonder your birds are loosing condition. And, IMO, it's highly suspect if they do not put a mill date on it. It could be a week old or 8 months old. You would have no way of finding out how old it is.

 

[21hens-incharge]

 

[Robyn67]

Ahhh, thank you so much. It might sound silly, but I didn't realise that just switching brand would have such a big difference. Glad its not something much worse or our rooster.

We'll switch out our feed when the shops open tomorrow and go back to the one we usually use.

and the label has a place for the manufactured date, but its blank. So much for shop local!

thanks for everyones help, its really been useful and educational and we'll watch out for these things in the future.

 

[lazy gardener]

In the mean time, get some protein into your flock pronto. got any kitty kibble, or even some dog kibble? If it's too big, soak it in hot water. Most cat or dog food is high protein, and has animal protein in it. I'd not use it on a regular basis, but your birds have been protein deficient long enough that it's having a noticeable affect on them, so I'd pike the protein to them for a few days. Even half a dozen hard boiled eggs, shell and all would be very beneficial to them right now.

 

[Robyn67]

good advice, I'll do that - they'll love the treat too.

 

[lazy gardener]