clarissa Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Just lost my second chicken today so really sad. (This is their third summer) In January the three chickens were given the whole acre of garden to roam and as I feed loads of wild birds the hens got addicted to sunflower seeds spilt from the feeders. Gradually the egg production dropped but they were soooo happy strutting round all day. Clarissa died in May without warning and looked as if she had a massive heart attack. Nigella had been struggling to lay soft shell eggs and has ended up having a prolapse (they have always had layers pellets and oyster shell to eat but they prefer sunflower seeds) and the vet said there was nothing she could do for her so this afternoon she was gently despatched to the great chicken coop in the sky. Now I am wondering if I need to fence them away from the bird feeders so they eat their own food because I can't bare to think it is my fault. Margo is so lonely but I daren't get any more till I know about the sunflower seeds. Margo doesn't lay eggs either but she laid non-stop for 2 1/2 years without molting so maybe it is a natural break. (The other two hens are my mums because she can't care for them anymore and they have only been here a week but they keep well away and seem to prefer to live a separate life.) Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Hello (again!) Clarissa . Again, I'm so sorry about your girls . I'm fairly sure I've read that sunflower seeds are high in fat which isn't good for hens if they eat too many . It might be a good idea to either move your feeders or fence them off if you can . I hope you can introduce Margo to your other two girls eventually - she will need a friend . (Do take it very slowly though!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 As an occasional treat they are OK, but they are very fatty and therefore not a good idea as a general thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 loaded with protein too aren't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarissa Posted August 24, 2009 Author Share Posted August 24, 2009 Hi everyone - thanks for the advice I will fence them off from the feeders asap. Margo keeps coming in the kitchen for company I will have to work on getting all the girls to mix but at the mo the bossy one keeps chasing her if she sees her. Trouble is you just want to scoop her up and protect her. Its early days hope they get over it before margo needs to snuggle up in the winter. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
