[mickwood]

Having just had a problem with one of the girls having an impacted/sour crop I was advised on giving live yoghurt. The girls loved it! and it worked 

So...is it something I should give them regularly, as a preventative measure? If so, how often?

Also, I've heard people suggesting 'cat food' for added protein. What kind of cat food is used? Tinned? Dry food?

Thanks in advance

XXX

[Vember]

I haven't given live yog as never had too Mick
I do every so often give tinned fish flavor cat food, especially if they are moulting


Sarah

[LittleRedHen]

I know tinned cat food is good for hens, especially the fishy ones!  I've only known the yoghurt as a medicinal aid.  Lovely stuff that!

[Foxy]

As long as they have access to grit they should be OK.
What can happen is if they get hungry they can stuff themselves with grass which may increase the risk of impacted crop.

[WhatCameFirst]

We've given both yoghurt and cat food in the past.  The cat food turns them into birds possessed, I have never seen food disappear so quickly!  that was to supplement protein, and we just did half a tin a day for about 4 days I think.  Just the tinned stuff.

[mickwood]

Thanks folks, I'll keep the yoghurt as a medicinal thing and I'll buy some tinned cat food asap 

[nicchick]

I give my hens and my dog live yoghurt as I think it helps their digestion. It can also help if you need to get a hen to eat. They get it all over their faces, the other thing they love is cottage cheese. Nic.

[linzechris]

Hi,
My chickens absolutely love yoghurt and I give it to them about twice a week as a treat. I think it keeps them healthy but they really love it
I gave mine some tinned sardines when they were in moult and still do occasionly as they really go mad for it.

[mickwood]

Oooh sardines, I like the thought of that rather than cat food! That'll be the plan - sardines! 

[SnooziSuzi]

mine lurve yoghurt whether they're feeling down or not 

I took a packed lunch to the lotty on Sunday and had a yoghurt, so I took the dregs of the yoghurt pot (strawberry) and my plastic spoon and Betty just 'licked' it off the spoon; upside downish though     

Instead of just pecking the spoon she found she could get more in her beak if she licked it off the other side of the spoon i.e. if you or I were eating soup you'd (slurp!) eat from the side nearest to you but imagine a chicken licking of a spoon from the side furthest away!  she had to sort of crook her neck over the top of the spoon to do it!     I might take some vid footage to show you what I mean this weekend!

[kimT]

Oooh sardines, I like the thought of that rather than cat food! That'll be the plan - sardines! 

Would that be on toast Mick?

[andreadon]

oooh, Kim, does that mean you're a Bobby Brewster fan?