Putting weight on neglected hens

[Nimueh Alene]

What is the best way to get weight HEALTHY weight on my adopted hens and rooster... They are literally skin and bones. I have them on layer pellets and scratch for a treat... They need more protein right ? Thinking about feeding them back boiled mashed eggs. Any way to simulate appetite? They are acting, pooping and eating but not nearly enough compared to my other standards.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Scrambled eggs are definitely good. Switching them off a layer to a non medicated starter grower or an All Flock ration would help too. Just keep an extra bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. I feed both year round and don't feed a layer anymore.

Other things like scratch with some boss can add fat calories. Be careful you don't fatten them up too much which is unhealthy. Chickens should feel slightly bony, but not too bony.

 

[sawilliams]

How long have you had them? Or did you just get them? If you just got them don't free feed them yet. I think feed is about 1/2 per chicken per day (check the label) you should devide that into 2-3 feeding a day. They are probably use to a feed and starve system and will likely try to over eat which could cuase impacted crop. You need to get then use to the idea of having feed first.
*use multiple feeders if you can so they don't have to compete for food

An all flock or grower would probably be better right now probably something with 20% or more protein

Have you wormed them? It would be a good idea to, this will eliminate anything that might inhibit healthy growth. Also dust them for mites and lice whether you see signs or not.

Put chick saver or nutridrench or other vitamin add ins in their water for a while

 

[Northern WI]

I would put electrolytes in their water bowl. We use diatomaceous earth for dusting our hens for parasites. They don't mind being dusted in the coop. They also have the DE in their dusting spot in the corner. You could also give them protein pellets, water them down so they get moisture as well as the protein. Good luck! We also took in some rescue hens. Very heart warming!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would put electrolytes in their water bowl. We use diatomaceous earth for dusting our hens for parasites. They don't mind being dusted in the coop. They also have the DE in their dusting spot in the corner. You could also give them protein pellets, water them down so they get moisture as well as the protein. Good luck! We also took in some rescue hens. Very heart warming!

Be careful with DE, it is a respiratory irritant, for both chickens and people. Moistened feed can be fine but be sure to pick it up in short order or it could mold and cause troubles too. Don't mean to sound mean.

 

[Northern WI]

Yes, we use the DE very carefully. Our hens usually eat up totally the protein mix. I have an older hen that is thinner than the rest of the flock. They are all molting. Would you do anything different for the older hen to put meat back on her?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes, we use the DE very carefully. Our hens usually eat up totally the protein mix. I have an older hen that is thinner than the rest of the flock. They are all molting. Would you do anything different for the older hen to put meat back on her?

With older hens it could be worms. I personally don't worm so I can't give advice about that, but plenty of people do.

 

[17 chickens]

Feed them warm cooked oatmeal but make sure no hot spots in it for them. I feed my hens Oatmeal every morning in the winter to keep them warm and it it's great for them. They love it so much they get it all over them and even stand in it while they eat it, They clean it all up too. Try feeding over a 100 hens oatmeal at once it's a crazy feeding mess but funny to watch them!

 

[lazy gardener]

Put them on a higher protein ration: 18 - 20% protein, offer oyster shell on the side. I would ferment that feed. Be sure they have access to grit. I can't for the life of me imagine that a hen can eat enough feed to cause her crop to impact. Would like to see some science behind that. Animal protein if you have it available. Poultry Nutri-Drench in the water, which would be changed out EVERY DAY. Get a fecal float test done. Don't worm them unless the float test warrants it, and then use the correct medication in the correct dose. No scratch for now.

 

[centrarchid]

Show a picture of them.