The road less traveled...back to good health! They have lice, mites, scale mites, worms, anemia, gl

[delisha]

I must say, when I butcher out old Cornish x's that have layed for a few years, I do not get that much fat. That is some serious fat. I am sure if I kept Cornish x hens for years and years they would have that much fat.

 

[off-grid hen]

So much going on! Aoxa posted more fantastic photos, BDM battling disease and going ninja on the gineas, coop fires, nasty videos, scale mites are back, and tumors. Sorry for those going through tough times. I'm taking Junior's bandaid off tonight. Will give it a look over.

Any of you guys know what a gold laced Wyandotte roo is supposed to look like? I have a thread over in the breeds/genetics section regarding pullets with brown egg parents laying green eggs.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...please-check-this-out-pic-heavy#post_10030016

 

[Beekissed]

If anyone tried to cut back my food rations, I'd be one grumpy person.

Probably....but you'd be healthier in the long run and would adjust and feel great. Pretty soon the ration would fit the activity level and there would be less health risks. I know all that but still can't keep my elbows from bending too frequently....

Since we are talking protein..
Is 15% too low?
Especially when I'm adding scratch where the protein is that much lower... Tips?

No, not too low. Especially for flocks that free range~lots of more and better utilized proteins going on there~ and then the FF utilizes more of the protein available in the feed, so may just be getting that full 15%. You've got to figure that, even when the bag says 17-18%, they are not receiving that full protein percentage when fed dry feeds due to the lack of being able to absorb it in that form. Most of the normal protein levels fed dry are not going to be accurate representations of what your flock actually utilizes when fed as an unfermented ration.

 

[Pullet Surprise]

Now, what to do about it? I'm cutting back on ration amounts. I can't un-mix my feed ration..what is done is done. I could cut it by mixing in some lower protein grains but I'm just not going to right now. I'm going to cut back on total amounts fed. It works for the dog when he gets fluffy and it would sure work on me if someone would cut me back, forcibly...if only!

I'm also erecting a temporary fence guard around the bird feeders....any dropped seed is disappearing down the gullets of the fat gals. NOT my vision for a treat or supplement...too high protein. They are working those feeders several times a day and the Bat is going through enormous amounts of feed because dropped feed is usually picked up and utilized by the birds~NOT the neighborhood girl thugs and their big, mama's boy rooster man.

These birds needed fat to go into the winter and they got it....plenty of it. Now it's time to cut back because I think they just might be warm enough...something just tells me....

Wow! That is "food" for thought. Makes me want to take a good hard look at a couple of my girls and their "pig out' habits.

 

[aoxa]

If anyone tried to cut back my food rations, I'd be one grumpy person.

Probably....but you'd be healthier in the long run and would adjust and feel great.  Pretty soon the ration would fit the activity level and there would be less health risks.  I know all that but still can't keep my elbows from bending too frequently.... 

Since we are talking protein..

Is 15% too low?

Especially when I'm adding scratch where the protein is that much lower... Tips?

 No, not too low.  Especially for flocks that free range~lots of more and better utilized proteins going on there~ and then the FF utilizes more of the protein available in the feed, so may just be getting that full 15%.  You've got to figure that, even when the bag says 17-18%, they are not receiving that full protein percentage when fed dry feeds due to the lack of being able to absorb it in that form.  Most of the normal protein levels fed dry are not going to be accurate representations of what your flock actually utilizes when fed as an unfermented ration. 

Have you ever raised Turkeys Bee?

I've raised mine on lower protein than recommended, but I free range as well. My turkeys are the best at free ranging. Two of the four are actually WILD turkeys.

Another thing, is there an age that is too young for wood ash in dust bath? I figured not. I just gave the chicks some to play in

 

[Beekissed]

We used to raise some turkeys when I was young, just a few for holiday eating each year and they free ranged too and ate what the chickens and ducks all ate. No age too young and my 2 wk old meaties, let out to free range for the first time got their first basin of ashes, gravel and soil that first day...and went wild dusting and eating it. It was the same time they were switched to a whole grain/layer mix and needed the grit, so they had a ball! Here they are with their mister mom, crowding into the dust basin together like it was some kind of new food.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Bee i was looking through my book marks and came across the recipe for dakins solution, do you use this on your birds? like when cleaning out the feet before slathering on the Nu stock? or is this just for humans?

 

[Beekissed]

I used it on my birds when they were first doctored....used it on Ruby's butt and on Middle Sister's feet when I cleaned out impacted glands I think. I like it for use on long term wounds that are resistant to normal wound treatments...have seen some good things when using it.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I used it on my birds when they were first doctored....used it on Ruby's butt and on Middle Sister's feet when I cleaned out impacted glands I think. I like it for use on long term wounds that are resistant to normal wound treatments...have seen some good things when using it.

I had forgotten about it so now I will make up some of it to add to my home made meds. I bet it would be good to use on Bumble foot too.

 

[Beekissed]

I think so too. It's cheap, easy to make and effective, though not everyone's idea of "natural", I dare say. Bleach is anything but natural but I've had my hands in it for as long as I can remember, so it has become natural to me.