So new! I really have know idea what we are doing

[Blooie]

Re layer food, since Two Crows has kindly moved the immediate emergency question to the best forum.....The healthiest my flock ever was when I had a mixture of little chicks, roosters, and hens. I couldn't possibly buy different chicken foods for them and keep them from eating out of each other's food pans, and I didn't have the time or space for separate coops. My chicks were raised in a pen out with the flock from day one, so they were fully integrated with the flock by the time they were 4 weeks old.

So I switched to feeding either All Flock or Grower, whichever was on sale since the nearest feed store was 50 miles one way on a two way road and I didn't want to make that trip more than once. I fed oyster shell free choice on the side. Never had an issue with eggs that had weak shells, never had a health problem in them, and they were strong, active, and their overall condition and production reflected the slightly higher protein content. Just for future reference....

 

[micstrachan]

GRIT. They need grit to digest anything except for complete layer/crumble feed. Until you get them some, they need grit to help digest the other stuff. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[blackdog043]

You need to give them proper feed and have grit for them in a separate container. Get one of these: flock raiser, all flock or unmediated starter/grower. You do not need layer feed now or ever. When they start to lay, have oyster shell in a separate container for them. It looks like you are just throwing their feed on the ground with all the corn in the pic. You need a feed holder of some sort. Do they have water available, that is not frozen? If you have a Tractor Supply store near you. Go there and get Nutri-drench and add that to there water, mixing directions are on the box. You can get a small rubber bowl in the poultry section to mix this in. If your in an area where this will freeze, take it inside for it to thaw if ice forms. Don't use hot water it will freeze faster. (smaller molecules)

 

[Sunshine Flock]

GRIT. They need grit to digest anything except for complete layer/crumble feed. Until you get them some, they need grit to help digest the other stuff. Good luck and keep us posted.

Do they need grit if they free range?

 

[Sunshine Flock]

You need to give them proper feed and have grit for them in a separate container. Get one of these: flock raiser, all flock or unmediated starter/grower. You do not need layer feed now or ever. When they start to lay, have oyster shell in a separate container for them. It looks like you are just throwing their feed on the ground with all the corn in the pic. You need a feed holder of some sort. Do they have water available, that is not frozen? If you have a Tractor Supply store near you. Go there and get Nutri-drench and add that to there water, mixing directions are on the box. You can get a small rubber bowl in the poultry section to mix this in. If your in an area where this will freeze, take it inside for it to thaw if ice forms. Don't use hot water it will freeze faster. (smaller molecules)

She said they're eight to nine months old. Why won't they ever need layer pellets? I only feed organic pellets and have never come across flock raiser or all flock. Is that a multi-purpose feed for all ages?

 

[Blooie]

She said they're eight to nine months old. Why won't they ever need layer pellets? I only feed organic pellets and have never come across flock raiser or all flock. Is that a multi-purpose feed for all ages?

It is. There are a lot of us who feed this instead of layer, making sure there is oyster shell in a separate container. That way they take what calcium they need in the amount each one needs to suit her own little body. In layer food they get calcium whether they need it or not, and during molt, brooding or just a period of not laying, they don’t need it but do need the higher protein.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

It is. There are a lot of us who feed this instead of layer, making sure there is oyster shell in a separate container. That way they take what calcium they need in the amount each one needs to suit her own little body. In layer food they get calcium whether they need it or not, and during molt, brooding or just a period of not laying, they don’t need it but do need the higher protein.

Somehow I never realized this. Thank you!

 

[blackdog043]

by Blooie

Do they need grit if they free range?

It's cheap insurance to offer it to them even if they free range.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

by Blooie


It's cheap insurance to offer it to them even if they free range.

Don't you mean cheep insurance? Hehehe.

We have a crazy amount of decomposed granite on our land from landscaping projects, but none in the chicken run. I'll put some in there tomorrow. Thanks for the quick response!

Does anyone have some thoughts on the bright green droppings in her photos? Are there any additional steps she can take to help her flock? Proper chicken feed, supplemented water. Anything else?

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings New@thischickenstuff,

I highly recommend you have a Vet see your chickens. That would be the best thing, since two have already died. Internet doctoring has a wide margin of error. But, if a Vet is not an option, let's move ahead.

I know it is disheartening when chickens are sick or have died, and answers don't seem to come fast enough.

There is a lot of experience here at BYC, but in order for the members to better help you, they'll need more details. Answer the following questions, as best as you can.

How old are your chickens?
Are they laying?
Is food available all day? If not, how many times and how much are they being fed?
Is it cold where you are? What is the temp?
Do your chickens sleep in a coop?
Do your chickens free range?
Feel your chickens belly, any swelling, can you feel the breast bone sticking out?
Look at the eyes, are they round and clear?
Besides the poopy butt, lethargy, and green diarrhea, and death within the week, are there any other symptoms you have noticed?
Are any of the other chickens showing symptoms?

If another hen becomes ill, put the sick hen in a crate, tub or area that is warm and out of drafts. Put some bedding or towels down, food and water. You may have to provide mild heat, as diarrhea can lower the body temperature, make sure the hen can move away from the warmth if she wants to.

Supportive Care:
Some ginger mixed with a little honey, then administered orally, will help with the diarrhea. Cooked barley is highly nutritious and soothing for the intestines. Offer, juicy fruit: black or red grapes, melon, diced cooked meat protein, moist mash.

You can also add 1 Tb. aloe vera juice to one gallon water, to boost the immune system and nourish the intestinal tract.

The hens seem to be dying too quickly for this to be just a nutritional problem. It is really important that you get a fecal float test done. I try not to give medicines unless I know what I am treating. Any Vet can send the fecal sample out for you to be tested, the cost is minimal. If there are any veterinary colleges near you, they can also test.

Other members will be advising you as well, please consider these too.

I hope my thoughts on this are helpful. I will continue to monitor your posts.

God bless.