Is Layena okay for really old hens?

[Country4ever]

My hens are 10 and 1/2 years old. One is lame. I started wondering if its gout.......which made me think that maybe I shouldn't be feeding them the same feed they ate when they were laying.
Should I change to something lower in protein?
Thanks.

 

[kelck22]

I would switch to a HIGHER protein food. Feather Fixer from nutrena would be good.

If you do switch do it gradually as they are pretty old to do full switch all at once.

 

[Den in Penn]

If they aren't laying then they don't need the calcium that is in layer. The extra calcium can lead to things like kidney stones. They really don't need a higher protein as well since they aren't laying. What the percent protein they need who knows I don't think anyone has studied older chickens needs. If you are switching going to a grower and cutting it down with other lower protein foods is what I would do.

 

[Country4ever]

Thanks!

I feel bad I didn't think of this earlier.
I'm going to Tractor Supply tomorrow. I'll look at the calcium and protein levels on all the brands they carry and pick the one with lower calcium. I also guess there's no reason to even offer the old hens any oyster shell? Would they even take it if they didn't need it?

I read in one article, that if their kidneys are affected, they can have lameness problems, since the nerve to the leg runs through the kidney. That sounded a bit strange to me.........
I have a hen that has become lame and I'm trying to figure out what her problem is. I guess at 10 and 1/2, it could be arthritis......
Thanks again.

 

[Country4ever]

I bought some grower/finisher yesterday. Wish it came in smaller quantities than 50#. It had a little less protein and less calcium. Unfortunately, it only came in crumbles. We'll see how they do with it. Maybe the crumbles are good for old hens.......since most of their teeth are gone.

I've had them for over 10 years now and I'm still learning things!

 

[Pathfinders]

Ten years old is a great age for a chicken! I think the grower/finisher with lower protein and calcium is a good idea, no need to stress their systems with too much of either. Some of my favorite hens are my older ones, I try not to name the chickens, but some of them who have been here a long time wind up getting named anyway.

Give your old girls a pat for me.

 

[Country4ever]

Thanks Pathfinders!

 

[Pathfinders]

Have fun. Always remember to have fun with your chickens.