Increase condition rather than weight, best foods?

[appps]

I have two birds that are just skin and bones. They had fowl pox and something that is causing the food to pass through and come out the other end as water with undigested food amongst it. So basically they are anoxorexic looking as I don't think anything is being absorbed.

Add to this one has a mild cross beak so what takes the others two bites takes her about 20 to get down.

They are on antibiotics now as I suspect its a bacterial thing from some wet food they got into but I want give them the best chance of hanging on till their digestive systems are working again.

That said I dont want to just fatten them up as fat isn't going to help them. I want to add condition to them if that makes sense.

Currently each morning I feed the whole lot warm mash made from layer crumble with water added. To that I am sprinkling a pinch of shell grit, some bird vitamins and adding some scrambled eggs.

Is there anything else I could be adding to the mix to help with their recovery?

I'm going to add some probiotic yoghurt in a day or two to assist against the antibiotics killing good bugs too, but Ideas for recovery foods to assist them to get back to good condition and have the energy reserves to make it through this would be most appreciated!

 

[subhanalah]

Fermented feed will help increase nutrient absorption and gut flora to help with the strained system.
It also helps condition the birds, as well as many other benefits. Its rather simple/easy and I think it would be very beneficial.

Have you thought about culturing dubia roaches as a feed supplement? They are incredibly nutritious and will encourage appetite.


You can also feed anflock raiser or all flock formula to them without I'll affects. You can ferment any feed you use. If you have males, the layer feed has too much calcium in them. Crushed oyster shell provided in a bowl on the side will be sufficient.

I see you are making a mash, fermenting feed is just one step further.

Poultry Nutri-Drench would be something good to use to help give them a boost,but your current vitamins may be adequate.

 

[appps]

Thanks. Ive often thought of trying fermented feed but never quite got round to it. It takes a few weeks to get going though doesnt it? Will have to go do a search.

Roaches? Ahhhh never heard of those guys, Im in Australia so maybe they arent here, we do have meal worms etc at the pet shop though so thats another idea.

Off to search on fermented feed, thanks!

 

[subhanalah]

It should take about three days to get a good batch going is what I read I started mine and a little over 24 hours, I would see bubbles when I stirred it.

 

[subhanalah]

Oh, I don't know if they have them in australia, I think in your climate they may be considered a possible pest species.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I have two birds that are just skin and bones. They had fowl pox and something that is causing the food to pass through and come out the other end as water with undigested food amongst it. So basically they are anoxorexic looking as I don't think anything is being absorbed.

Add to this one has a mild cross beak so what takes the others two bites takes her about 20 to get down.

They are on antibiotics now as I suspect its a bacterial thing from some wet food they got into but I want give them the best chance of hanging on till their digestive systems are working again.

That said I dont want to just fatten them up as fat isn't going to help them. I want to add condition to them if that makes sense.

Currently each morning I feed the whole lot warm mash made from layer crumble with water added. To that I am sprinkling a pinch of shell grit, some bird vitamins and adding some scrambled eggs.

Is there anything else I could be adding to the mix to help with their recovery?

I'm going to add some probiotic yoghurt in a day or two to assist against the antibiotics killing good bugs too, but Ideas for recovery foods to assist them to get back to good condition and have the energy reserves to make it through this would be most appreciated!

If they got into damp feed, it's probably mold, not bacteria. Be careful of medicating birds that are in such poor condition unless you know exactly what you're treating for.
Most conditions that affect chickens won't respond to antibiotics. Besides bacterial, the problem could be viral, fungal, environmental or nutritional.
Have you taken a fecal sample to a vet to test for worms? That's often the problem when they're skin and bones. Knowing exactly what type of worm and how severe the infestation will tell you if you need to treat and which anthelmintic to use.
Are you sprinkling oyster shell or grit? Those are 2 different things. The oyster shell should be in a separate container. Otherwise they don't have a choice but eat it.
I assume they aren't laying eggs being in poor condition. If they're laying eggs then the layer feed is ok but if they aren't, I would switch to a grower feed. 4% calcium is too much for non-layers. They can also use a little extra protein provided by the grower.
The egg is good, as is the yogurt.
I'd cut out the antibiotics and get the probiotics into them now.

 

[subhanalah]

Fermented feed has natural probiotic

 

[TwoCrows]

Thanks. Ive often thought of trying fermented feed but never quite got round to it. It takes a few weeks to get going though doesnt it? Will have to go do a search.

Roaches? Ahhhh never heard of those guys, Im in Australia so maybe they arent here, we do have meal worms etc at the pet shop though so thats another idea.

Off to search on fermented feed, thanks!

Fermenting feed is a very good idea, as is any whole grain diet. Whole grains slow digestion down so the bird has time to absorb nutrients and calories. As fast as a chickens digestive tract is, it is a wonder they can absorb anything. Probiotics either from femented feed or adding them to feed or water will also help digestion.

I have a flock full of MS patients, LOL that got incredibly anorexic during the onset and peak of this disease. They stayed quite thin for a very long time and when I started feeding whole grains instead of just layer feed, they started to put on weight.

Apple Cider Vinegar will also help to increase the appetite. 1 to 2 tablespoons ACV to one gallon of water in a plastic waterer only. Change this water and make new daily. You can start with one week on every day, and then offer it up a couple times a week.

Good luck with your birds!

 

[appps]

Thanks for the ideas guys. I am starting to see an improvement on the antibiotics so will keep them going. Finally seeing some white in the poop for the first time in weeks and though too soft still at least its not looking undigested

I forgot to put the lid on my drum of scratch mix and it rained so I've brought it in and am sprouting the seeds. Have been flat out so haven't had the chance to take that next step to fermented but will look into that on the weekend.

Oh and ps they were wormed a few weeks ago when this all started.