Ruby - possible unwell. Again.

[Kiki]

I'm not convinced it's the feed.
I'm wondering if the heavy treats from before did the damage (fat) and if it's just stuck around.

 

[micstrachan]

Modesto Milling. They were on a mix of 50 layer/50 grower, but eventually dropped the lsyer, since few were laying during molt. We recently did King (?) all flock pellets, and they did fine on it, but then I realized it was not organic and the first ingredient was soy, so I went back to Modesto Milling. I might have to forego organic. The fat is going to kill them before the pesticides do.

 

[micstrachan]

I forgot to mention, I don’t think Modesto milling has an all flock.

 

[micstrachan]

I'm not convinced it's the feed.
I'm wondering if the heavy treats from before did the damage (fat) and if it's just stuck around.

Could be. I threw many pounds of forage seed last year. Plus, like you mentioned before, I was quick to give eggs. Did not realize how fatty they were. Here’s the current feed:

It’s for growing birds, amd they’re not supposed to be growing, sooo.
How does it compare to flock raiser/all flock on your chart?

 

[Kathy Golla]

Whew, I feel like 22% protein is a lot. Is there a reason you aren’t feeding layer feed still (16% protein)?
The all flock feed has much less calcium than layer.
I would be very careful rationing feed. I’ve had several people tell me you create a competition problem with that and the lower ranked hens lose out.
ETA: I can see now in post #32 you mentioned you don’t have them on layer since it’s winter.

 

[micstrachan]

Whew, I feel like 22% protein is a lot. Is there a reason you aren’t feeding layer feed still (16% protein)?
The all flock feed has much less calcium than layer.
I would be very careful rationing feed. I’ve had several people tell me you create a competition problem with that and the lower ranked hens lose out.
ETA: I can see now in post #32 you mentioned you don’t have them on layer since it’s winter.

Also, Bridge doesn’t lay anymore and now Ruby is on hormones. I would like to stick with an all flock if I can find one I like.

I will try rationing feed for a bit and see how it goes. I put several feeders around the run. Also, with days getting longer, they’ll get more free range time!

 

[micstrachan]

@casportpony I saw Ruby do two of these poops tonight after work. I don’t think she was pooping like that before today. She’s on the same “antibiotic that shall not be named” as last year. Can it cause these poops? I’ve seen a few of these around lately, but thought it was Millie and saw normal looking poop come out of Ruby until today.

 

[micstrachan]

BTW, @Kiki, Ruby has never been one for treats, except kale, which she used to love. Lately, however, I notice her eating a LOT. I always felt good that she was eating heartily, since she’s prone to health problems, but now... not so much. She’s a very active, curious girl snd I wonder if she eats out of boredom. I’ve been doing a lot to enhance the run, but nobody is using all the new perches, etc.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I just wanted to offer some support. I am rooting for your beautiful girl. Both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you both the very best

 

[micstrachan]

I just wanted to offer some support. I am rooting for your beautiful girl. Both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you both the very best

That’s so sweet; thank you! Ruby was active tonight after work. Huge and a bit slow, but active and seemed happy.