How Much Is TOO Much Protein / Fat?

[Tiwanda]

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

I would guess about 1/4-1/3 cup per bird - probably a little less. I chop it up into very small pieces. Some of the meat is obviously fatty and some is lean. Keep in mind, They do only get this about two-three times a week, NOT daily.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Thanks. Will probably share out the steak. Redtail hawk and fox can have some.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

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

My posts were about feeding too much fats like in sunflower seeds. We don't feed ours meat, so I can't comment about the outcome of feeding it. When I feed too many sunflower seeds the butchered birds will be greasy.

Too much fats can cause fatty liver which can be fatal.

https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/feeding-your-chickens-to-death/

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Wow... But what is the weight of the "average hen" their studies are using? Anyway I will consider their info. My flock is probably healthier than me after reading that.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't think anything can be an absolute guide, most advice needs to be adjusted for the circumstances. The article does point out how an apparently healthy looking bird can drop dead from an unhealthy diet.

Chickens live a much shorter life than us so an improper diet will kill them sooner than an improper diet in a human. I think most people would eat better if their lives were so short, and damage from it happened more quickly.

 

[RodNTN]

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.

Wild bird seed, fatty meats, oats, etc. On a daily basis? Too many treats can be bad.

 

[BantyChooks]

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.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I keep my birds a long time. Last processing there was quite a bit of fat on the older birds.

I have reduced the amount of treats to hopefully help them live longer more productive lives.
Does it work?

Do my hens go bonkers for meat? Heck yes!


What works for one may or may not work for another.
Many times I take what I read, add a grain of salt and adjust to fit my needs.

 

[RodNTN]

 

[Lazy Farmer]

if any is left the local wildlife gets.

rodents
I chuck stuff to my rangers. But only what they can consume at that moment. We are fighting the good fight with rats right now.