How common is Hepatic Lipidosis?

[KayP]

Ever since I saw this post: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1561170#p1561170 I have been afraid to give my girls anything but fruits and veggies. Can someone help me put this into perspective?

 

[MoodyChicken]

It really depends on what breed your raising. Fast growing games are less prone to weight problems because they have a faster metabolism. Pretty much everything else has a slower metabolism. You can feed these treats as often as you like, but if you do, increase the fiber in their chicken feed diet and decrease the protein (add oats). I have a bird with a heart condition now because I fed him way too much cheese and he had a high protein diet to top it off. I kept him on a strict diet and gave him Isoxyprine (dialates blood vessels), and today he's back to normal. I still have to watch him carefully though. If you can keep your birds' muscling hard, full, and light they'll be more than fine. That means they have virually no fat. Also, let them free range, lots of exercise. Don't worry too much, you birds should be ok. Treat them like dogs. They can gets human snacks and treats occasionally, but it shouldn't be a large part of their diet.

 

[KayP]

Thank you so much, Moody Chicken! Whew! That's just the advice I needed. You have given me peace of mind