Rescued Broiler needs to lose some weight

[b0unty42]

I recently rescued a broiler hen from my local animal shelter. The general agreement is that she likely jumped off a Tyson truck! I've been limiting feed as directed and she has been doing very well. Unfortunately, while I was on vacation last week, grandma overfed (you know how grandma's are). Now she is HUGE and seems to be having some breathing difficulty. She's such a sweet bird that I don't want to cull her just yet if I don't have to. I was hoping for at least 6 months with her! Is there any way for her to lose weight safely? Do I just need to give up?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Let her free range as much as possible.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It will be tough. Restricting feed and allowing to free range is all you can do. They are designed genetically to put on muscle. I would try 3 small feedings a day. Morning, noon and late afternoon. That way they won't overeat at each feeding and acquire a distended crop.
They are pretty friendly, sweet birds as they get older so I understand. When I wait too long to butcher a Cornish X it becomes harder as their personalities show.

 

[b0unty42]

Thanks both of you. We decided to let her free range today because I was starting to get really worried. She's been in a run, but it's not big or fun enough in my opinion. I'm glad the suggestions so far are aligned with what I was thinking. She has so much more personality than my layers so I hope she can stick around a bit longer.

 

[mike1970]

don't know much bout broilers how long can u keep them if u keep their weight down

 

[featherhead007]

Jennie Craig diet?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Theoretically they can live years but they're not genetically designed to do so. If you want long lived chickens, get something other than meat hybrids.

 

[ronott1]

X2!

 

[mike1970]

was just curious I have had laying hens forever

 

[b0unty42]

don't know much bout broilers how long can u keep them if u keep their weight down

From my understanding, they live to about 1 year of age with proper care (if you're trying to keep them alive like I am, not continue to raise them as meat chickens). They weren't bred to be alive for long. Their bodies aren't able to function under all that weight.