Thin Red Star Hen

[mhami]

My Red Star, who is now 7 months old, and who has laid 67 eggs as of May 15, 2021, was four pounds and is now under three pounds. Her breast bone is very prominent too. She eats Purina Layeena free choice and also eats crickets and red worms as treats. Her stools seem very normal, she has energy but is scaring me with her thinness. She's an indoor hen (wearing a diaper inside the house) but is outside for many hours during the day, in my yard. Someone please give me a hint on what I can do to fatten her up, I'm very worried.

 

[LaFleche]

Maybe she would benefit from deworming and switching to a feed containing more protein like all flock or grower, providing extra calcium on the side in form of crushed oyster shells and dried eggshells etc.

And welcome to BYC!

 

[mhami]

Thank you. Her brown egg shells are very strong and she lays one almost every day, has only missed ten days in the last 3 months. I wish she would stop laying for a week or two, she's so prolific! I thought Purina's Layeena had enough fat for her and yes, she has been wormed. What protein percentage do you prefer?

 

[LaFleche]

Thank you. Her brown egg shells are very strong and she lays one almost every day, has only missed ten days in the last 3 months. I wish she would stop laying for a week or two, she's so prolific! I thought Purina's Layeena had enough fat for her and yes, she has been wormed. What protein percentage do you prefer?

If it is this what you feed her, I would think she might need some 18-20% protein plus some extra corn and wheat in the evenings for carbohydrates.

The problem with all high production hybrids is, that they will convert all nutrition into eggs and therefore stay thin and often even scraggly. That's what they were made to do, so it is genetic.

 

[mhami]

Thank you so much. I'm going to go to Tractor Supply and get her some cracked corn, and to the grocery store for some wheat flakes. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I feel a bit more relieved now. S

Sincerely, Marcia

 

[LaFleche]

You are very welcome!

She might like some banana as well, but as with all new food, always take the time to introduce it by slowly increasing the amount over the period of at least 7-10 days.

 

[mhami]

Peepers has never liked bananas but she loves Kiwis. I got her the corn and wheat and I'm going to start them this evening. Again, thanks!!