Overweight chickens

[chickens45]

I noticed my chickens are getting very fat. They’re 7 months now and sadly I can’t let them free range as much as they used to due being back at work, so I usually let them out around 4-5 and they stay out until dark.

I feed them what we call chop.. which is just corn and have been leaving it in their run all day and night with water. I also feed them some sunflower kernels as a snack a lot and then they’ll eat some scraps.

I noticed my one little guy is having trouble walking because his butt is so big now! They’re all getting hefty and it scares me because I know it can be unhealthy.

any suggestions? And what do you feed your chickens and what brand and how often?

 

[Owenp_2]

I would cut down the daily intake and give them lots of water with apple cider vinegar so that they can burn of some weight. However some breeds are made to be bigger what breeds do you have?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Corn water and scraps is not a good diet. That is like donuts for every meal

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I noticed my chickens are getting very fat. They’re 7 months now and sadly I can’t let them free range as much as they used to due being back at work, so I usually let them out around 4-5 and they stay out until dark.

I feed them what we call chop.. which is just corn and have been leaving it in their run all day and night with water. I also feed them some sunflower kernels as a snack a lot and then they’ll eat some scraps.

I noticed my one little guy is having trouble walking because his butt is so big now! They’re all getting hefty and it scares me because I know it can be unhealthy.

any suggestions? And what do you feed your chickens and what brand and how often?

What do you expect, feeding them pure corn?
Do you consider that chicken feed?
Get. Some. Real. Feed.
Please.

 

[yakitori]

Hmm, where are you located? Ideally you should feed chickens feed made specifically for chickens. Here in the USA they are generally available at feed stores and online. For grown chickens, you are looking at buying something with about 16% protein content.

If you have laying hens you can feed a layer formulation, if you have both roos and hens, you can feed a grower feed and provide oyster shell on the side for extra calcium.
You can also make your own feed. There are a wealth of resources here on that also, usually advising against it because it’s expensive and time consuming!

Eating only corn is like humans eating Mcdonalds everyday. Can you do it... yes... will it hurt your health? it will
so as you can see, Unfortunately corn is not a well balanced diet for chickens

Stick around and we’ll do what we can to help your chickens get back on track!

 

[Buckeye Amy]

Hmm, where are you located? Ideally you should feed chickens feed made specifically for chickens. Here in the USA they are generally available at feed stores and online. For grown chickens, you are looking at buying something with about 16% protein content.

If you have laying hens you can feed a layer formulation, if you have both roos and hens, you can feed a grower feed and provide oyster shell on the side for extra calcium.
You can also make your own feed. There are a wealth of resources here on that also, usually advising against it because it’s expensive and time consuming!

Eating only corn is like humans eating Mcdonalds everyday. Can you do it... yes... will it hurt your health? it will
so as you can see, Unfortunately corn is not a well balanced diet for chickens

Stick around and we’ll do what we can to help your chickens get back on track!

Very good response!

 

[GC-Raptor]

If you're in the U.S.A. I like Nutrena Naturewise and Purina Premium feeds.
After 10 weeks old I purchase a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% Protein or an All-Flock Crumble 20% Protein.

My chickens like all 3 and I purchase whichever is cheaper or available when I'm at TSC.

I use hanging feeders and my 2 years old hens and 23 weeks old pullets have feed available all day.
They are not overweight and lay beautiful eggs.

GC

 

[chickens45]

What do you expect, feeding them pure corn?
Do you consider that chicken feed?
Get. Some. Real. Feed.
Please.

I don’t know because I never had chickens before. I got this from a feed store and thought it’s what you’re supposed to feed them. It’s like dry corn. They are roosters.

 

[chickens45]

Hmm, where are you located? Ideally you should feed chickens feed made specifically for chickens. Here in the USA they are generally available at feed stores and online. For grown chickens, you are looking at buying something with about 16% protein content.

If you have laying hens you can feed a layer formulation, if you have both roos and hens, you can feed a grower feed and provide oyster shell on the side for extra calcium.
You can also make your own feed. There are a wealth of resources here on that also, usually advising against it because it’s expensive and time consuming!

Eating only corn is like humans eating Mcdonalds everyday. Can you do it... yes... will it hurt your health? it will
so as you can see, Unfortunately corn is not a well balanced diet for chickens

Stick around and we’ll do what we can to help your chickens get back on track!

Yikes I didn’t know that I just thought it was what they’re supposed to eat :/

so for 7 month old roosters what brand and what do you recommend?

 

[Ruby Rogue]

I don’t know because I never had chickens before. I got this from a feed store and thought it’s what you’re supposed to feed them. It’s like dry corn. They are roosters.

It's a common misconception, but if you have a feed store for farm animals nearby, they should be able to direct you as to what the proper feed is. I would look for a poultry starter or poultry grower feed.