Rescue Chickens

[Gammond]

We picked up 20 hens last night that are in awful shape. She said that most of them are Sussex, which I don't think they are as they are small and red. They look like a mini version of my Sex-Sal links. I have them quarantined.

They are 18 months and were sold to me because their production was "only at 10%". I think they were kept in some nasty conditions because they are missing a ton of feathers and I had blood on my coat after transporting. They also have a lot of sores.

Is there anything extra I can feed them to help them recover sooner? I do have a mini bag of barley - would this help? My feed already has a little extra protein - 19%.

How long should I quarantine them for? We checked for lice and they are all clear.

 

[lazy gardener]

Regardless of their shape when you got them, they are at a prime age for going into a molt. Possibly, though I'm not saying "tis so, birds in poor condition, heavy molt when being handled may have some blood feathers that might bleed. Check them over closely for any wounds. (I'm sure you have probably already done so). Extra protein, (you're doing so) especially animal protein would be helpful. Otherwise, time should fix their ailments. I'd wait a month before mixing them with your other flock.

 

[Gammond]

Regardless of their shape when you got them, they are at a prime age for going into a molt. Possibly, though I'm not saying "tis so, birds in poor condition, heavy molt when being handled may have some blood feathers that might bleed. Check them over closely for any wounds. (I'm sure you have probably already done so). Extra protein, (you're doing so) especially animal protein would be helpful. Otherwise, time should fix their ailments. I'd wait a month before mixing them with your other flock.

Thanks!! I will also post a picture in a bit. I've never had my birds molt as bad as them! Animal protein as in ground deer - would that work?

 

[Gammond]

 

[Wolfgang B.]

Beautiful girls! I know they appreciate your big heart even though it must be hard for them to ever trust "those humans" again!
Let me thank you too for doing a wonderful thing.
Did they say ex battery hens have in general a "10% production" after 18 months or specifically the 20 girls you picked up? What I heard is that that can vary a lot.
Could you please keep the pictures coming?

 

[Naser]

Those are red stars they are called many names like Rhode Island Reds hybrids or Bovans Goldline, they are the same name of hybrid hens, after 18 months their production capacity is well above 10% should be 50% at least. that is the shape you get them when they were living in a battery farm or it could be moult, if you feed them starter crumbles that will help them regain their feathers and energy, if they are laying put oyster shell as side dish, keep the feed for them 24/7 they will not overfeed.
If they were in free range worm them
They will be fine.
If they don't lay at least 10 eggs a day when the spring comes, they are much older than 18 months.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

A hit of electrolytes would be beneficial and much appreciated I'm sure. See if any needs an epsom salt bath as well. Good luck!

 

[lazy gardener]

Or Poultry Nutri_Drench. So sad looking! Yes, ground venison would be great. I cook all meat I give to my birds. Not sure what others do. Go easy on it. A tiny bit goes a long ways. I'd start with about a tbsp/bird.

 

[Gammond]

Thanks for the tips everyone!! I actually got three eggs today! She said out of 50, 18-month hens, she was at 10% production.
The poor girls were all sleeping out in the rain tonight - We put them all back in the coop I don't think they know what outside is yet.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

So kind of you to rescue these poor souls. They will have a great life with you! To help their feathers you can add feather fixer to their feed. Also I noticed that they weren’t debeaked. We’re they from someone who has a “mom and pop” egg business?