Is this unusual?

[LizStreithorst]

I see. But she is already at adult size. Protein isn't fattening like carbs. I may be making arguments because until the all the other hens accept her and she can live comfortable outside.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Thought of something else!
If the flock taught her to dust bathe, you can likely recruit them to teach her to eat like a chicken too. Have them share some supervised food together. I bet over time she'll learn.

 

[LizStreithorst]

No, the Basset mix has always been feed this way. He doesn't pig out.

I'll think about trying to transition her but to be honest she's doing so well right now that I really don't want to. Sorry if I'm being recalcitrant.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

I see. But she is already at adult size. Protein isn't fattening like carbs. I may be making arguments because until the all the other hens accept her and she can live comfortable outside.

Right, and some exceptions happen in a non perfect world! Ideally, no dog would eat kibbles. Dogs evolved alongside humans eating scraps, forage, and catching some of their own dinner. I totally understand why some people must feed with kibbles however. Chickens though, I'm thinking all that animal based protein in dog kibble would do them harm over a long term. Chickens can eat meats, but it's not the staple of their natural diets.

 

[Ebony Rose]

No, the Basset mix has always been feed this way. He doesn't pig out.

I have two rescue-mutts that weigh about 55 pounds each, they have had free choice for the 13 years that they've lived with me. They don't scarf it all down, vomit, scarf that down, etc. Instead, they graze it when hungry and return later when they want more. It's always there for them, so they don't go nuts over food. I think it's a matter of knowing that it is always there, that gives them the confidence to leave some for later.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

No, the Basset mix has always been feed this way. He doesn't pig out.

I'll think about trying to transition her but to be honest she's doing so well right now that I really don't want to. Sorry if I'm being recalcitrant.

I think you're doing a lovely job
It's our mission to help each other support the health and well being of animals, and there's many instances where people simply don't have the knowledge and need that assistance. Myself included.

 

[LizStreithorst]

When I feed them their daily treat of scratch and live meal worms I put her outside to eat with them. They don't share food well, but she gets some of it before one of them turns on her or the rooster nails her. She doesn't like the rooster but he doesn't frighten her as much as the mean hens do.

Sweetie does have one friend. She's the hen I call the matriarch. The Matriarch is the one who took her for a dust bath. Other hens were dusting too but they didn't bother her there. Perhaps after I give them their treat today I'll carry her to the dusting place.

 

[LizStreithorst]

I do appreciate everyone's help. Really.

 

[Abriana]

Meat birds that end up as pets can often live relatively long lives for their breeds, as long as you keep them on a strict diet. They have small hearts and big bodies, so often they get so huge that their heart works overtime and they die. Treats like bread or mealworms are bad ideas. Veggies are best, even fruit can have too much sugar to be good for them.

Hopefully your girl thrives well!

 

[Ebony Rose]

I'll think about trying to transition her but to be honest she's doing so well right now that I really don't want to. Sorry if I'm being recalcitrant.

If she must eat dog kibble, which is mostly corn and rice and soy, with some meaty something tossed in just so they can say it's in there... then please put vitamin and mineral supplements in her water (which won't hurt your dog either). Doggie food isn't a balanced meal for chickens, but it sure beats the snot out of a starving chicken. I think DellaMyDarling has a stellar idea:

Thought of something else!
If the flock taught her to dust bathe, you can likely recruit them to teach her to eat like a chicken too. Have them share some supervised food together. I bet over time she'll learn.

And to make this easier, you could even toss in a bit of the dog food WITH the flocks meal so that something in the mix looks familiar to everyone at the dinner table.