Wet cat food or dry cat food?

[Qi Chicken]

I don't know what is wrong with my chickens but think they might be molting. People recommend giving them catfood to up the protein. Wet or dry? Any brand to get? Any brand to avoid? Our cats just eat Meow Mix or the walmart brand organic dry food. Thanks!

 

[FireTigeris]

Quote:
Protein is the ingredient you want during a molt.


It won't matter which-

 

[schellie69]

Mine love dry cat food mixed with yogurt any kind of cat food they love.

 

[Qi Chicken]

I went out and gave them some meow mix. I spread it on the ground first and they didn't eat it, would pick it up and drop it. I put the bowl down and they didn't know what to do with it. I added some water to the bowl to make it mush and we'll see what they do with it. I think they know they aren't cats.

 

[Judy]

I wouldn't give much cat food. See the note at the bottom of the BYC treats chard about why it's not good for them.

For extra protein, BOSS and game or wild bird feed are often a little higher than most feeds, so I use a mix of this instead of scratch. You can buy a big can of canned mackerel in the tuna section for not too much. Any table scraps that have protein, or a carcass or bone with a bit of meat left on it, are fine. Of course, scrambled or boiled eggs. A package of chicken necks or backs doesn't cost much here and could be cooked in the microwave quickly.

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Black Oil Sunflower Seed (BOSS) is only 15 - 16 percent protein...

As stated before that "chart" is so far off and to a point incorrect its not funny.

Chris

 

[WoodlandWoman]

When I have a particular chicken that's having a hard molt, I give her a nice little pile of hulled sunflower seeds. They have 22-23% protein. It really does seem to help those feathers grow in faster. Usually I do this for a chicken that's mostly naked, especially if it's getting cold or at the bottom of the pecking order.

 

[ella]

I would moisten the dry food. #1 because it's cheaper. #2 because even hens with issues can get it.

i.e. I have a couple hens with depth perception problems that I never would have noticed except that I'm hyper observant. They will turn to feather picking if they don't get enough
protein.

It's not an ideal solution because it's not well balanced for chickens, but it is economical for a backyard flock.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Why, oh why do we let the layer feed manufacturers make mostly 16% feed? You think they would read these boards. Sometimes I think people spend more on "extra protein" then they would if we could get 18-20% regular layer feed with meat in it! I surely cannot get any of it around here in big name brands. JMHO

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
I understand what you are saying but, there are different "needs" for different breeds of poultry and most people over feed protein.
A chicken in molt need some extra protein yes but they also need extra fat, water, electrolytes/ vitamins and less stress as in a change of food or being in a breeding pen.

You think they would read these boards

As you know most of the people on these boards have no idea about poultry nutrition. They are backyard chicken raisers that think they are doing good or think they know what they are doing by adding this and that to there feed and are most likely doing more harm than good by doing so.
Look how many time someone asks about soft eggshells and how many times the people on here say "you need to add more Calcium"

Calcium is only a part of a soft eggshell problem there is also phosphorus correct level of protein as well as minerals and various vitamins. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is used for the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus to be able to form egg shells.

Look at all the time people on here relate feather picking/eating as a sign of low protein when it could be that the birds are stressed, board, or needing a different source of protein as in animal protein.

Chris​