My stupidity has killed one chicken and I need some fast advice

[PortageGirl]

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Ok, this whole thing was just discussed on another whole thread. Not going to go into it again, but that is your opinion, as is mine (backed by years of feeding my own chickens thank you very much).

Cooked is fine, raw is a big no-no. Chickens can't tell that what they're eating is chicken, it's nothing but extra protein and no germs or virus' or any other 'dangers' can survive the cooking process. I give up on this whole topic though, so decide whatever.

 

[Kim_NC]

Overall, they need a minimum of 16% protein for egg laying. So, you want to 'fat them up', but not reduce their average protein too low.

Give them some cracked corn and/or scratch grains. The carbs in the corn help them make more body heat. Corn will also help them put on some weight quickly. Use cracked corn, not whole corn - cracked is easier to digest.

Corn is about 8% protein - so, figure that in as not more than 1/4 of their diet.

6 chickens can eat about 1 1/2 total lbs (24 ounces) of feed per day. That means, keep the corn down to not more than 6 ounces.

Can you get a higher protein feed? We have 20% protein laying pellets available at all times, free choice.

Or can you get a high protein game bird crumble? or maybe a turkey starter crumble? Typically, either of these are 28% protein. I mix them with hot water. Stir it up....so you basically have a 'hot cereal' for them. Our laying flocks love this. I feed late each afternoon. The girls come running for it as if it's some big treat. LOL...but actually it ups their protein and is good for them.

I agree about keeping it down on the meats, yogurt, other dairy products, etc. These things can be good for them...but only in moderation.

 

[chickenannie]

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You could give vitamins, though at this point (assuming you get grit asap!) I would go with Portage girl that basic nutrition is important and too many treats/special foods will also throw them out of balance. Go with the hardboiled egg yolks for the immediate treatment. I give warm cornmeal mush (coarse ground) in the mornings when it's freezing cold as well as warm water in their bowl in the morning to help warm them up from the overnight. HOwever, you don't want them to overfill on 'treat' foods and not get their regular nutrition.

 

[imfowl]

People overanalyze feed, grit, etc. too much. A chicken can live very well free ranging with no intervention from humans. I would look for something else besides lack of nutrition or proper grit. I have a flock of chickens that free range at my deer camp year round. I don't even see them but about once a month between febuary and november. I never give them feed or grit. They are very healthy. They get the grit they need from the soil, and they forage on worms, bugs, and greens. Do not let the companies that produce feed and grit convince you that you are doing something wrong to hurt your chickens. I would check them for illnesses, etc. Just my opinion.

Matt

 

[steffpeck]

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I agree. Our chicken's have a very large run area to forage and free-range in. They have free-choice layer pellets also. We do not provide "grit" for them. They get it from foraging in the soil. I would also check to make sure they do not have an illness of some sort. I also thought grit was something to give them if you were feeding them things other than chicken feed, like treats, etc.

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

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I agree. Our chicken's have a very large run area to forage and free-range in. They have free-choice layer pellets also. We do not provide "grit" for them. They get it from foraging in the soil. I would also check to make sure they do not have an illness of some sort. I also thought grit was something to give them if you were feeding them things other than chicken feed, like treats, etc.

Ive never bought a bag of grit in my life, and none of mine get grit, other than what they get naturely(sp). And theyve never had a problem.

 

[justusnak]

Eating alot.....very skinny...Hmmm, have you checked them for worms!? Just a thought.

 

[Nikki28]

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Good point!

 

[Momma_Cluck]

Free-ranging chickens do well on their own IF you live where they CAN free-range this time of year---

If you are like us and MUST keep your gals predominantly indoors all winter, then you MUST supplement with grit if feeding them anything other than processed feed (crumbles or pellets)

If you use mash or grains, they need grit and extra protein...

I agree 100%-- sounds like either bad feed, or they are ill!


make them a warm meal each day for a few days, then go back to a decent layer ration---

Mix a large carton of full-fat plain yogurt, 1/2 C. olive oil and enough hot-water with their usual feed to make a, "oatmeal" consistency... make sure you let it sit to soak-up the water-- then you can add more to get the consistency you want.... also-- warm scrambled eggs cooked in olive oil (never raw! and no salt!) I often add either raisins or grapes to the warm mash... they go nuts!

Good Luck hun!

 

[chickenannie]

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I agree. Our chicken's have a very large run area to forage and free-range in. They have free-choice layer pellets also. We do not provide "grit" for them. They get it from foraging in the soil. I would also check to make sure they do not have an illness of some sort. I also thought grit was something to give them if you were feeding them things other than chicken feed, like treats, etc.

Yes, this is absolutely true if they free-range. However, many folks don't free-range. I don't feed grit at all because my birds free-range, except for certain instances, such as when I have one in a "hospital" pen and they can't access any grit, and also I feed it to chicks and poults since they don't go out on range for up to 6 weeks. Right now i have an injured roo who was inside for 2 weeks. When I let him out a few days ago, he ran straight for the gravel pile and started gulping down tiny stones. It was clear to me he was short of grit at that point.

I think it's important to let people who don't free-range to know they must provide grit, when they're just starting out and learning.