sick hen

[debbiepowell]

is 3 way scratch safe to feed hens? I am having trouble with impacted crop, which I never had before. My husband feeds 3 way scratch to the hens 2 times a day and they get egg layer pellets and shell and plenty of water. Do not know what is going wrong.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

is 3 way scratch safe to feed hens? I am having trouble with impacted crop, which I never had before. My husband feeds 3 way scratch to the hens 2 times a day and they get egg layer pellets and shell and plenty of water. Do not know what is going wrong.

Welcome to BYC.

Do you provide poultry grit (crushed granite)?
What other foods do you offer besides the scratch and layer pellets?
What symptoms are you seeing? Is the crop full at night and empty in the morning before eating/drinking?
Any sour smell to the breath?

First thing if you haven't done so, check to see if the crop is emptying properly. A crop should be full at night and empty first thing in the morning before eating/drinking.

Scratch grains usually make a good treat. Generally speaking treats should be no more than 5-10% of their daily intake.



https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments
http://www.tillysnest.com/2012/01/crop-issues-html/
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/06/chicken-anatomy-crop-impacted-crop-sour.html

 

[chickens really]

Cut out all other snacks/treats........No more scratch.......You can give snacks once a week at 5% of daily ration....1 tablespoon per Bird.......Healthy Birds need a proper diet......



Cheers!