Tiggy Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 I've had 3 girls from a local battery egg farmer on christmas eve to keep Babs company after her mate ginger was taken by the buzzard RIP. They have not had their beaks clipped, and are mostly in good nick but 1 is very small & her neck is completely bald, I presume she is moulting & not laying as a result. Any tips to get them all into better condition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisnrob Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Hi Anne Glad your new girls are settling in OK after the trauma of last week. There's some useful information on bringing ex-batts home on the BHWT website at http://www.bhwt.org.uk/caringforhens.html Also, some other useful tips here http://www.downthelane.net/Page_35.html I'm sure others will be along with more advice shortly Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 you could add poultry spice to their food, some apple cider vinegar to their water, try a few meal worms which are full of protein (but not too many as they are fattening) we buy the freeze dried ones and soak them in a little warm water to re-hydrate them before feeding them to the girls. They get them in the evening, before bed time. Mung beans are full of protein too. Also try a little mixed corn as a treat. I believe dolphin friendly tuna in brine (but rinsed thoroughly) is a very good source of protein as well. I'd definitely say some poultry spice and ACV at the very least though, plus a good balanced diet of course Good luck with your girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 The lady we got our chickens from said cat food is good for them when they're moulting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 I've no experience of ex-batts, but I've heard a few experienced Omleteers extolling the virtues of cat food for moulting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted December 27, 2007 Author Share Posted December 27, 2007 i thought that chick should not eat any meat? so why is tuna & cat food different?? or am i being really stupid? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 i thought that chick should not eat any meat? so why is tuna & cat food different?? or am i being really stupid? meal worms are meat too but they would kill you and leave you for dead for them! Free ranging chooks pick up all sorts of meaty bugs and insects too. I personally wouldn't give mine cat food as you never know what might have gone into it and it stinks! There's never any leftover meat in our house so ours have never had meat, I don't think I'd feel happy feeding them meat but I don't know why!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 I use organic cat food. It is quite expensive....but to be honest I have smelt worse smells! My hens have all moulted spectacularly these last few weeks, but the cat food has helped them feather up again beautifully. Claret recommends chick crumbs. Full of protein apparently. I might try them next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
