Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: bloodhound on January 11, 2009, 16:43

Title: protein
Post by: bloodhound on January 11, 2009, 16:43

Hi I'm new here, and new to keeping hens.

I have just got 5 rescue free rangers that were and still are in a bit of a mess.
They are going through a moult at present and they keep eating feathers that are on the floor, I've been told that this is due to not enough protein.
I feed mash/pellets 50/50, they have been getting porrigde and mealworms(dried) along with some corn last thing in the afternoon. They also get spuds and other bits and pieces.
Both the mash and pellets say they are 17% protein how can i increase the protein without over doing it.
2 hens are still laying but I would rather they feather up more.
any suggestion welcomed
fran

Title: protein
Post by: raeburg on January 11, 2009, 16:45

Mealworms are a good source of protein.  You could also try them with some catfood (tinned stuff).

Title: protein
Post by: sunshinemedic on January 11, 2009, 16:48

Seperate but related question: Can you overdo the protein for chooks? If so what could happen?

Title: protein
Post by: Foxy on January 11, 2009, 16:52

too much protein could potentially have an affect on kidney function :D

Title: protein
Post by: Molly Hen on January 11, 2009, 17:51

Glad this question was raised by Bloodhound.

Today I watched as was of my chickens quite braisenly walked up to her roomies and plucked a feather from her back end and ate it.  

I was shocked.  No squabling or bullying observed.  

The hen who did the feather eating is laying very large eggs, so I am wondering if she is trying to get  protein back in her system.

Is there anything that I can give he food wise to get more protein in her rather than her resorting to plucking her feathered friends!!!!!!

Thanks.