Young Rooster Too Heavy for His Own Legs

[Cyprus]

Many thanks for your information. Much appreciated.

I have been giving them a mix of starters/youngsters pellets, crushed corn and 'grain' (not sure exactly what grain, but the feed store mixes it all in together). I'll buy some layer feed separately - by this, do you mean the layers pellets or wet mash? Can I give them this food from now on (18 weeks old now)? Please excuse my ignorance but I haven't had these problems before and this is the first time I've had 'porky' birds!

They have a 'Dine-a-chook' feeder which allows them to eat when they want. It's hard to feed Valencia separately. Any ideas?

Only the females should have layer and only after they start laying. All flock is probably best. Crumble or mash.

 

[anna-newhampshire]

A friend in real life told me the story of a poor meatbird who was adopted and was supposed to live happily ever after without fear of being 'processed'. He ended up so heavy he broke his hip. I didn't want to hear how the story ended.

The solution is simple for Valencia - like everyone said, a severe restriction of his caloric intake, especially since he doesn't have to worry about laying eggs lol. I would still give the little piglets some low calorie in season veggies balanced by boiled egg for protein as a meal replacement occasionally, so they can enjoy their summer.

 

[Susie Seagrave]

You can't feed the layer food to a rooster as there is too much calcium and it can make them unwell. You need an All Flock option without the calcium and give the shells on the side.

In terms of the feeder if I was putting mine on a diet I'd just feed them morning nad evening to see how they get on with the weight loss. I think if you did that plus ditch the corn they'll loose pretty quick!

Thanks for that - I'll check at the Feed store to see if they have such a thing, ditch the corn and give the shells on the side. I'll also make sure they get even more exercise outside the run to help them lose those extra pounds! I'll continue to give Little Pea some cracked corn on her own during their free-ranging time, as she's always been such a slender, fit bird and an excellent layer. I'll keep you posted!