SUPPLEMENTS FOR WEIGHT GAIN?

[O.C.Chick]

Hello,

Can anyone recommend a good supplement or food for weight gain in a young hen? (pet...not broiler!)

I have a 20 week old silkie that's recently recovering from a bad case of coccidoisis. Took her to the vet who told me she was very underweight (who knew with all that fluff?)...The good news is that she's doing fine and has gained over 100 grams in the last 3 weeks, but she's still much smaller than her sisters, and is also lowest in the pecking order. Also, she seems a little low on stamina, resting more than the others.

I have been adding virgin coconut oil, fish oil and/or olive oil to her food, and also giving her extra protein and pro-biotics. Is extra oil o.k. as a supplement? Any other suggestions to get her fat and healthy?

THANKS!

Alys

 

[Judy]

Protein and probiotics make lots of sense. Don't know about the oil; I'm sure a little won't hurt. I would think carbs like corn would be good. Cooked eggs. Whatever she likes best.

 

[O.C.Chick]

IF ONLY I COULD PUT HER ON MY OWN WEIGHT-GAIN DIET...PIZZA AND WINE!

 

[Chris09]

Put her on a full feed of 18% pro. grower and mix around a tsp. yougert with it 2 times a week. You can also try weting the grower with sower milk ( just make it wet ) it sound bad but it helps.
chris

 

[O.C.Chick]

Thanks Chris.

They are all still on an organic grower formula which has 22% protein (Modesto Milling Co.), and I have been mixing kefir (which is like liquid plain yogurt with more probiotics) in with the food to make a mash. Also, adding carrot juice and a little salmon or dried anchovies, figuring this would be a good protein and omega 3 source. All of them go nuts for this mix, although I try to give it mostly to the little one so she can build up strength.

So I'm wondering...Is that TOO MUCH protein and too much yogurt? Too much soft food? Am I over-doing it?

Thanks!

 

[Chris09]

I dont think so..
When gets hot here ( 90+ ) I feed wet food to all my birds..
The kefir mashis good like twice a week. Also, adding carrot juice and a little salmon or dried anchovies is ok.

 

[onthespot]

I have some 30% game bird starter for my turkey poults. The smallest bag I could buy was 50# so I am keeping it in the outside freezer. I could mail you a little bit of it you could mix in with her feed to make the percent protein you wanted for a week or two until she is back on her feet.

 

[O.C.Chick]

OnTheSpot, Thank you SO much for the kind offer!!! I would not want you to go through the trouble, but am very glad to hear that it's ok to feed 40% protein for a couple of weeks!!!

I can continue adding the salmon, anchovies, and other protein to the existing feed I have, which is already high (22%) protein, but I was mostly concerned that I might kill her with kindness by giving her too much for too long. (A trait that I definitely get from my Italian grandmother..."EAT...YOU'RE TOO SKINNY!" )

Encouraging news: 3 weeks ago she weighed only 488 grams. Today she weighed in at 628 grams...Up 140 grams! And the last two days she has had so much more energy, acting almost back to normal.

Thank you all so much for the input! This forum is a life-saver...Literally!

Have a great weekend all,

Alys

 

[Mahonri]

I spoil my chickens...

Tuna fish, canned salmon. Adds Omega IIIs to your eggs!

 

[O.C.Chick]

Mahonri,

Just curious...Does the fish or fish oil change the flavor of the eggs? Mine are too young to be laying yet, but I have read that garlic oil changes the egg flavor...so, just wondering...

Yep, mine are pretty spoiled too. So fun to watch! I call it ChickenTV. Who needs cable???