Janty Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 A strange question but here goes... My cochin, Scary Spice hasn't been well. She has just completed a course of anti-bs from the vet but during her illness, she has lost a lot of weight. She now lives out of the WIR with the other cochin (well, she does need a friend) and I am trying to put weight on her. She is on breeders pellets for her main food and she gets corn every day. She also gets either salmon or tuna every day as to make matters worse, she's going through a really bad moult. Any other ideas would be appreciated. She has to go back to the vets in two weeks time to have her weight checked and see if she's making progress. I don't want to lose her - she was one of my original girls and very special to us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 you could try chick crumb it's what was recommended to me when one of mine was under weight just after I got my first 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 8, 2009 Author Share Posted November 8, 2009 Thanks for posting that. However, I've just checked and Specialist Poultry Breeder pellets from Allen and Page have a higher oil and protein content than chick crumbs so I will stick with those. As I say, thanks for the suggestion. I've got to put weight on her somehow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Would the more carby treats help at all, pasta, rice etc? I also bought this, just incase, after hearing good things about it. http://www.net-tex.co.uk/product_page.cfm?pid=411&men=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 I have started to feed mine sugar beet (pellets soaked overnight) to put a bt of weight on the growers, not sure if it will work but they love it! I could bring you some to the show on the 22nd if you want to try it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
francesca88 Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 My White Star lost a lot of weight during her broody period and I managed to fatten her up with dried mealworms and Bill Oddie's Mealworm Crumble (got them both from Wilkinsons!) She'll need protein to build up muscle mass really, so tuna and dry cat food biscuits are a good idea too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 8, 2009 Author Share Posted November 8, 2009 I have started to feed mine sugar beet (pellets soaked overnight) to put a bt of weight on the growers, not sure if it will work but they love it! I could bring you some to the show on the 22nd if you want to try it? Yes please. Where do you get it from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Its sold for horses so feed merchants should have it, mine is Garvo but there are lots of other makes, trouble is it usually comes in 20kg sacks Some of it is molassed but I am not sure this is good for hens so have avoided that and gone for plain When soaked (it comes in big pellets like pony nuts and must be soaked for 12 hours) its sort of crumbly like pellet porridge and the hens have mopped it up so far You can get trendy new stuff that soaks in 10 mins but I am a traditionalist so I get the old fashioned stuff I would warn that I have never seen it recommended for hens, its just I remember it being used to put weight on horses when I was a child so I thought it would be worth a try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 8, 2009 Author Share Posted November 8, 2009 How much are the sacks? Could you bring me one and I'll give you the money when I see you or I could send a cheque beforehand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 I will see if I can get hold of a sack for you its usually about £7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 I've never heard of it used for hens either - they use it at the farm for the horses and the sheep go mad for it Just have to make sure its wet as it swells up, but you've already mentioned soaking it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 9, 2009 Author Share Posted November 9, 2009 I will see if I can get hold of a sack for you its usually about £7 Thanks for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Sheila mentions giving her hens some quail pellets to help them feather up, on the recommendation of a breeder.. A quick google shows that they contain 20% protein. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 9, 2009 Author Share Posted November 9, 2009 If that's Marriages quail pellets, I can't get them here. I will look around various feed merchants to see if they stock different brands and check them out...thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 What about Turkey crumb? I bought a small bag off ebay when I hatched the quail and it was 25-30% protein. Can't see any on ebay at the moment but maybe phone you're local feed store? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 9, 2009 Author Share Posted November 9, 2009 Thanks...I will also do a it of research on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 If that's Marriages quail pellets, I can't get them here. I will look around various feed merchants to see if they stock different brands and check them out...thanks. Garvo also do a Quail pellet mix but I am not sure on the protein % etc....when I was looking for Garvo there was a stockist in Lowestoft I think Will dig out notes and let you know if you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Wheat makes them put on weight & gives them strength when they have been ill. Mine have more wheat through moults & the Winter months. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 10, 2009 Author Share Posted November 10, 2009 Thanks Em & Em! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 10, 2009 Author Share Posted November 10, 2009 The garvo quail mix looks interesting ut it's 14.9 percent protein. I am currently feeding her A&P Specialist Poultry Breeder which is 18.2 percent protein but I have just ordered some A&P Turkey starter crumb which is 22 per cent protein and 7.5 per cent fat. I am going to mix this in with her SP Breeder and some wheat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 at M&M ( thinks of chocolate). Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 at M&M ( thinks of chocolate). Emma.x oooo chocolate.....I am sure the chook would put on weight but probably not very good for her....ME on the other hand!!!! **Em scuttles off to the goodies cupboard in search of those happy bars** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 You're right to feed quail or growers; she'll need the extra protein, but be careful not to give more carb treats, wheat or corn to compensate as this will only make her put on fat rather than build up muscle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
