The Moonshiner's Leghorns

[KF0002]

Yup, there's always OS out there, right next to the grit. I keep them in gravity-feed cat-food feeders and don't have to fill them up but about once or twice a year. I tell people I'm not lazy, I'm efficient, but yeah, I'm probably a bit lazy too, lol.

We put it in an old tin can in the coop because that is how an old timer taught my husband to do it and that is how he continues to do it. But your method seems more efficient. lol

 

[KF0002]

For the smaller single mate pens we just throw them a handful or mix it in their feed from time to time and that seems to be sufficient for them.

 

[KF0002]

And should I continue giving her calcium tablets for a few days?

I would not give her too many calcium tablets, especially if they are human calcium plus vitamin D tablets like Caltrate. Too much calcium can be fatal. Calcium is an electrolyte and muscles and nerves including the heart function on electrical currents based on a balance of electrolytes in the body. Their heart can go into a lethal arrythmia and stop with too much calcium. As with any animal, and even people. They know how much they need and eat calcium when they need it, so free-choice oyster shell and a good quality layer pellet in their daily ration is sufficient, as well as access to grass and vegetation in the warmer months.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I would not give her too many calcium tablets, especially if they are human calcium plus vitamin D tablets like Caltrate.

This is a pretty common emergency remedy that the educators on byc advise. I think it’s usually one per day very short term. How much is too much for a chicken?

 

[WallyG74]

Yes winter definitely puts a hurting on egg production too. Most of our hens/pullets have closed up shop during this arctic blizzard front thing we have had. Only the white leghorns and a few random other hens have been laying (leghorn/legbar crosses).

My RIRs and Eggers are laying like it’s Springtime.

 

[Appalachickens]

Yes they are definitely predators and will eat anything that does not eat them first. lol

Chick starter is good when they are young, but they can be transitioned to an adult formula at around 3-4 months old.

I don't want to use layer feed because the rooster also eats from that feeder and he doesn't need to calcium. I put eggshells and oyster shell on the side, which he ignores. I know I could use all flock instead, but this is the same price and they really like it. And I have to use the crumbles because my Wynadotte hen has a crossbeak. I also give them wet mash made with Kalmbach Chickhouse Reserve every morning.

 

[Appalachickens]

My RIRs and Eggers are laying like it’s Springtime.

Mine too. I have 11 hens and get 8-9 eggs a day.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I would not give her too many calcium tablets, especially if they are human calcium plus vitamin D tablets like Caltrate. Too much calcium can be fatal. Calcium is an electrolyte and muscles and nerves including the heart function on electrical currents based on a balance of electrolytes in the body. Their heart can go into a lethal arrythmia and stop with too much calcium. As with any animal, and even people. They know how much they need and eat calcium when they need it, so free-choice oyster shell and a good quality layer pellet in their daily ration is sufficient, as well as access to grass and vegetation in the warmer months.

Thanks, this is good to know. As @BlindLemonChicken said, I only planned to administer it for about a week, as is often recommended by many of the Educators. Pullet was very feisty and active this morning, eager to break out of the infirmary cage, not passive and lethargic as last night, so we released her into gen pop right away. Not sure I will administer any more unless I see signs of additional trouble.

I also, like @Appalachickens, do not offer layer feed for the sake of my cockerels. I feed feather fixer pellets now, 20%. Was feeding 20% all-flock crumbles but found it too wasteful in my ironically-named "waste-free' feeders.

And also like Appalachickens, my birds are laying as if they are getting paid to do so. I have about 15 layers over 1 year old and 15 pullets, half BA (who have been laying for about a month already) and half Ameraucanas, who are just starting to think about it. Yesterday I got 15 eggs and we collect daily.

Nobody answered my most pressing questions: is this egg retention likely to happen again? And will she be prone to prolapse since her muscles were stretched and weakened by yesterday's episode?

 

[Appalachickens]

I also, like @Appalachickens, do not offer layer feed for the sake of my cockerels. I feed feather fixer pellets now, 20%. Was feeding 20% all-flock crumbles but found it too wasteful in my ironically-named "waste-free' feeders.

I have a treadle feeder under a little shelter that blocks it from the top and sides. Remarkably, there is virtually no waste - I never see feed on the ground. About 4 of them at a time can eat from it, and they are constantly changing places, so lots of clanging of the lid!