watery stools, and chickens getting very thin, and eating like crazy!

[stormylady]

How many 50lb bags of feed should 48 chickens go through in a weeks time? Right now these girls are going through 2, that doesn't include the extra food, is that the right amount or should they be getting more? they go through about 8 -10 gallons of water per day and I do put a little vinager in each day when I fill the waterers, It is not the organic kind, but I will change that. And no more green beans. and I will stop the treats except every now and then, besides the fact that If they eat more than 100lbs of feed in a week I wont be able to get the other stuff for them anyway. LOL Thanks for all your help, and this acting like they are starving to death is a fairly new symtom? That is why I thought it might be worms, because they were fine before that. But will try anything to make them better!

Thanks so much for the info! Sandy

 

[threehorses]

Well certainly if they haven't been wormed within the last six months, I would recommend worming (wazine first, safeguard a month later) but they really do get a good portion of their daily meal just before roosting, so that's like having one whole meal gone from the day - an important one. I'm not certain how much they *should* go through, and it's hard for me to tell because I have a mixed flock (Geese, turkeys, etc). But I'd say whatever they're getting plus 1/4th because they're going to roost without that last big meal.

Giving them a little plain yogurt weekly will also help them utilize their food more efficienctly, and then depending on which feed you buy - they can use some more efficiently than others. But usually the ones they use better are slightly higher in cost. Say for example Dumor versus Blue Seal. Dumor as far as I've heard isn't a food known as much for its efficiency of nutrition as it is it's economy and dependability of availability. I hear a lot of "lots of large droppings" talk coming about it. But if you go up to a Layena or Blue Seal, then you may pay a dollar or two more per bag, but get more out of it (if the feed is just as fresh). etc.

Same thing with freshness - you'll get more bang for your buck with a feed that smells strongly fresh when you get it versus one that smells cardboard-like. So those are some things that should help

 

[stormylady]

Thanks again Threehorses, I really appriciate all the help, Im relatively new to chickens, this being my first year, and Im trying so hard to learn what to and what not to do. And all the information that you've given me is very helpful. And if they need 100lbs of feed weekly to stay healthy and happy then that is just what it takes. and Im happy to do that for them. Hopefully after the wormings everything will level out to a managable schedule, and they will begin gaining weight and start laying better. I'll let you know how it goes, youve given me alot of food for thought, And I will do everything possible you suggested. Sandy

 

[bethgranberg]

Hi Sandy, I dont have any advice just wanted to say hello- great info, good luck to you hope all goes well.

 

[stormylady]

Quote:
Thanks so much.

 

[Mountain Life]

So what happened? I have one hen that has had the watery poo for weeks now and is starving. She had a hard crop and I got that taken care of and she is still having the watery poo like she's not digesting the food. Is it worms or something else? I hate to worm her when she's already so run down. I did worm them all two months ago???