What could be wrong?

[The-White-Elephant]

If the small rocks are an eighth of an inch and smaller in diameter and not smooth and round, then it will serve as grit. Here is an article that tells you everything you need to know about grit. https://smallpetselect.com/what-is-grit-and-why-do-my-chickens-need-it/

Thanks! We have rocky soil here. I'll inspect the ground again tomorrow.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

Thanks! We have rocky soil here. I'll inspect the ground again tomorrow.

Saw some small Rocks, so I guess that counts? But, let’s say I didn’t have any. Wouldn’t the others be acting the same? (I’m not saying I don’t have any, just curious)

 

[azygous]

This is grit. The grit on the left is granite grit from the feed store. The grit on the right is the construction sand in my run which is mostly quartz. The ruler shows the size. Anything larger or smaller than these two samples is not suitable as grit. Also, note the angular shape. Grit must be angular and coarse and not round and smooth as you find in clay soils.

Chickens that do not have access to this kind of grit will eventually develop crop and gizzard problems which can lead to sickness and death.

Grit is not a treat for a flock of chickens. It's a daily requirement.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

View attachment 3031043This is grit. The grit on the left is granite grit from the feed store. The grit on the right is the construction sand in my run which is mostly quartz. The ruler shows the size. Anything larger or smaller than these two samples is not suitable as grit. Also, note the angular shape. Grit must be angular and coarse and not round and smooth as you find in clay soils.

Chickens that do not have access to this kind of grit will eventually develop crop and gizzard problems which can lead to sickness and death.

Grit is not a treat for a flock of chickens. It's a daily requirement.

Oh ok, thanks! I have rocks more like the size on the right.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

@azygous for olive oil, do I just put it in something, and give it to the hen? And how much?

 

[azygous]

Use an oral syringe. Liquid oil is dangerous and risks getting into the airway, and if any oil gets into the lungs, it's all over for your chicken.

To give liquid oil safely, wrap your hen in a towel to confine wings and feet. You will need to measure out two teaspoon of oil. Load the syringe, and pry open the beak. Insert the syringe on the chicken's right side of the mouth. You will slide it along the edge of the tongue and go slightly under the tongue to avoid the airway in the center of the throat behind the tongue. Keep the syringe close to the right side of the throat.

Doing it this way, you can safely put the oil directly into the esophagus, and the hen won't even need to swallow.

When inserting the syringe, if the hen coughs or chokes, you have it in the wrong hole. Be sure you have it in the proper hole before squirting the oil out of the syringe into her esophagus.

This is why I was so adamant about you getting coconut oil. When you chill it, you can easily pop pieces into her mouth without any danger of her aspirating oil into her lungs.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

Use an oral syringe. Liquid oil is dangerous and risks getting into the airway, and if any oil gets into the lungs, it's all over for your chicken.

To give liquid oil safely, wrap your hen in a towel to confine wings and feet. You will need to measure out two teaspoon of oil. Load the syringe, and pry open the beak. Insert the syringe on the chicken's right side of the mouth. You will slide it along the edge of the tongue and go slightly under the tongue to avoid the airway in the center of the throat behind the tongue. Keep the syringe close to the right side of the throat.

Doing it this way, you can safely put the oil directly into the esophagus, and the hen won't even need to swallow.

When inserting the syringe, if the hen coughs or chokes, you have it in the wrong hole. Be sure you have it in the proper hole before squirting the oil out of the syringe into her esophagus.

This is why I was so adamant about you getting coconut oil. When you chill it, you can easily pop pieces into her mouth without any danger of her aspirating oil into her lungs.View attachment 3031744

Oh my. That seems very complicated. Could I freeze 2 tablespoons of olive oil? So it's easier?

 

[RoyalChick]

Oh my. That seems very complicated. Could I freeze 2 tablespoons of olive oil? So it's easier?

Yes probably. And then order some coconut oil while you wait for it to freeze. It really is worth it. Once you have a jar it has a dozen other uses, and that is just for chickens!

 

[azygous]

Yes, you can try it. But I told you two teaspoons not tablespoons.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

Yes, you can try it. But I told you two teaspoons not tablespoons.

Oh....Sorry. I'll try my best.