How Much Is TOO Much Protein / Fat?

[Boonie Stomper]

Some posts have begun to make me worry because my chickens may sometimes get piggy about the meat scraps and other high protein or fat dishes put outside.

At least one poster said too much fat could be fatal!? I have 3 hens currently but often one will gorge before the others take any. If I put 3 separate area this helps all to get a share but can anyone explain quantity no-nos ?
I cooked a big fatty beefsteak last night but it tasted off. Can I just cut it all up and toss it into the pasture?

 

[Dawnclucks22]

Fatty things are a treat - not something they should be given daily. Chickens are not immune to obesity and the occasional fatty treat is just fine. I'd hold off the steak for now and wait for some more replies.

 

[RodNTN]

I don't know what all members will say, but given in moderation, shouldn't do any harm.
I am just speaking in my experience, I usually give table scraps everyday (this usually consists of fruits, veggies, or oatmeal).
When I do give fatty meats, I only give it every once and a while. Too much fat can lead to obesity and other problems.

Do you give your hens fatty meats often?
And about the hen who doesn't know when to stop; just take any extra treats away from her.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

The fact is that on most days their fare includes mixed wild bird seed and some oats, some veggie and or fruit, and some fatty meat. In winter there is more grain and fat. The meat is usually about 1 to 2 ounces per hen when it's hot dog bologna or sausage. Fat may be also in yogurt or sour cream. Sometimes they get tofu. Veggies fruit and meats are given bite size.

 

[RodNTN]

It sounds like they are getting more treats than solid food, how many treats do you give them on a daily basis?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Of course you can cut up an off tasting steak and feed it to the birds. Taking care of refrigerator culls is one of the best part of keeping chickens.

If we listened to everything said here on the forums we'd build a large shack to move into so the birds can have range of our houses that we are allowed into to cook them up hot oatmeal three times a day and replenish water dishes with organic cider. Seriously, I've heard some whoppers on this forum from added calcium causes cancer to chickens need cotton sweaters to keep warm in winter....cotton! Nice get wet and cold cotton to wrap around dry down birds. It boggles the mind what some say and do.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

It sounds like they are getting more treats than solid food, how many treats do you give them on a daily basis?

They have AYCE crumble or pellets and unlimited water, grit and shell available. Also whatever in the backyard they can catch or forage, which isn't much in January.
When they've had time to eat from feeder they come out for their cup and a handful which if any is left the local wildlife gets.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Of course you can cut up an off tasting steak and feed it to the birds. Taking care of refrigerator culls is one of the best part of keeping chickens.

If we listened to everything said here on the forums we'd build a large shack to move into so the birds can have range of our houses that we are allowed into to cook them up hot oatmeal three times a day and replenish water dishes with organic cider. Seriously, I've heard some whoppers on this forum from added calcium causes cancer to chickens need cotton sweaters to keep warm in winter....cotton! Nice get wet and cold cotton to wrap around dry down birds. It boggles the mind what some say and do.

...but if it's on the internet it must be true, right?

 

[Tiwanda]

Mine get scraps everyday: fruits, veggies, breads, etc. I routinely add some cayenne pepper/pepper flakes and ground egg shells to the scraps. They get meat such as beef or pork about 2 or 3 times a week - depending on what we have for leftovers. They ALWAYS have their feed, grit/oyster - free choice - and fresh water. The water includes oregano oil and/or apple cider vinegar. I will add unflavored pedialyte to their water in the very hot summer months or rarely/as needed if I notice loose poop for more than a day. So far so good. No problems.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Mine get scraps everyday: fruits, veggies, breads, etc. I routinely add some cayenne pepper/pepper flakes and ground egg shells to the scraps. They get meat such as beef or pork about 2 or 3 times a week - depending on what we have for leftovers. They ALWAYS have their feed, grit/oyster - free choice - and fresh water. The water includes oregano oil and/or apple cider vinegar. I will add unflavored pedialyte to their water in the very hot summer months or rarely/as needed if I notice loose poop for more than a day. So far so good. No problems.

How much meat per chicken and is it fatty?
Here's a sampling of posts lending to my confusion:

That's pretty normal. It's called visceral fat and there is actually a lot of it in any animal. Chickens carry a lot on the inside even though they feel skinny on the outside.

Some people give them to them in winter. Mine wouldn't touch them. You can feed a bit of cracked corn and black oil sunflower seeds for extra fat in the diet. Generally it should only be a treat as too much fat is deadly to chickens. A fat hen is an unhealthy hen.

It is common in any breed fed too much fat in the diet. Sunflower seeds can be a big fat producer. What types of treats do you feed? My buff Orpington are generally a long lived breed.