The Poultry Keeper

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

I haven't even checked what is in my sack or grit - but I will do now. Thanks for the heads up Fee and Nigel.

Hope Maud returns to full health soon Nisi.

Lisa · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:07 pm Post subject:

Yes the grit one is an interesting one. As Nigel said, many people keep their chooks both ways (ie mixed grit, or flint grit only) without any problems. It just doesn't make sense but its true Confused

Interesting what the vet said about sunflower seeds (although the only vet I've ever spoken to that agreed with feeding anything other than layers pellets was the one who advocated a home made diet for dogs).

I agree that sunflower seeds are not a good source of calcium, but they are a good source of magnesium which is also needed to for the body to make use of any calcium in the diet (the "calcium" supplement calcivet contains calcium, magnesium and vitamin D specifically for this reason - manufacturers details here). I would have thought sunflower seeds should be okay in moderation, as part of a varied diet with something that is a good source of calcium (eg yogurt, green veg etc). Just curious - how much sunflower seeds were you feeding?

That said the choice of going back to just layers pellets though is always a sensible one if you think it could be diet related. Hope it does the trick and she doesn't have the problem any more Smile

Fee · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

AGGGGGGGH! Thanks guys Shocked

I am starting to think my girls are doomed! Where do you get the flint grit from?

fenwoman · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:42 pm Post subject:

I know about the sunflowers because of the parrots. Those fed on cheap nasty high sunflower parrot mix suffer hypocalcaemia and it can kill them. In chickens it can cause egg binding and bone fractures. Sunflowers can also cause overweight and fatty liver disease. Not nice at all. If you must feed them, but the whole sunflower and soak overnight to start the germnation process. They then change from crappo junk food to nutritious complex carbohydrates. Personally I don't feed them as I prefer a more natural healthy diet. Sunflower heart for chickens is like chips and chocolate for kids.

Fee · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

What do you give yours?

I have been feeding mine sweetcorn, cooked rice and pasta, salad leaves, layers pellet,wheat and grapes as well as the sunflower hearts, do you think they are all OK?

Nisi · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire

Update on Maud.
I had to lift her into the henhouse yesterday at dusk and I had to lift her out this morning. She was unable to stand at all. I remembered a vets in Otley that deals with farm animals and gave them a call. Luckily they have a vet with an interest in chickens. So I put her in the cat carrier and took her to him. His diagnosis is that it is a neurological problem. He even mentioned cancer. She certainly does seem to have a serious balance problem and did manage to stand with help but swayed around using her wings to try to balance. He examined her legs and feet and found nothing wrong. He also examined her 'egg parts' and could feel nothing wrong there either.
I don't think he really had a lot of hope but has given her a vitamin jab and a long lasting antibiotic jab. I have to see how she is on Friday and decide what to do. To be honest I'm not sure she'll make it to Friday but I'll keep hoping. Sad

nigel · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:17 am Post subject:

so sorry Nisi, fingers crossed for good news

Issy · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 371 Location: somerset

Fingers and toes crossed for you. Crying or Very sad

Heather · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:44 am Post subject:

So sorry Nisi , hope she improves

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

Oh Nisi (Hugs)
So sorry to hear the downward turn.
Keeping fingers crossed that she manage to pull through.

Debs

Lisa · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:04 pm Post subject:

Aw, poor Maud. And poor you. Keep up the TLC - you just never know with chickens. And make sure she's still eating and drinking enough so her body's got all the nutrition it needs to heal itself if it can.

Hugs

Lisa

CP · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:12 pm Post subject:

Poor Maud. Sad

Really hope she improves by Friday (before that even!)

It's good to know your vet has an interest in chickens, as so many of them haven't got a clue. Embarassed

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

so sorry to hear this Nisi ~ I hope Maud pulls through, but we all know you love her and will do whatever is best for her in the end.

Nisi · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire

Thank you all for your good wishes.
Maud was no better today but I lifted her out of the house and put food and water within her reach. Later I took out a lettuce and she ate with as much gusto as the others. At lunchtime I was browsing through PP and read an article about rescued battery hens and the fact that for some of them it can take 2 weeks before they can stand. So being as she is feeding well I will not take her to the vet tomorrow but give her more time. If I felt she was suffering then I wouldn't do this.
I looked out this afternoon and saw that 2 of the other girls were sitting either side of her keeping her company and keeping her warm. I was amazed, they are usually out all day. Only top hen was out parading up and down the garden.

Nellie · Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 6:33 pm Post subject:

??????? How is she doing Nisi ? I am reading in anticipation