Avian Gout

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Tue May 03, 2016 9:31 am

FYI. It's a rare thing, probably not going to be a problem for free ranged hens, but I am a bit concerned for my rooster as he eats layer feed, which has too high calcium for a rooster.
https://info.biomin.net/acton/fs/blocks ... /page/fm/3 There's a handy checklist at the bottom of the page.
"Due to its complex aetiology, it is difficult to diagnose; however, the most common signs are dehydration, pale combs, depression and swelling and reddening of the feet which impair bird movement. In layers, where it is mainly observed, avian gout can lead to mortalities up to 50%, with 19-35 week-old hens mostly affected."

ross · Post by **ross** » Tue May 03, 2016 10:49 am

Guess I don't have to worry all mine are loose 24/7 feeding outside on seeds , critters etc & a bucket of Turkey grower pellets in barn if they want . Don't eat much pellets when out grazing though . Luck

Jaye · Post by **Jaye** » Tue May 03, 2016 11:18 am

Robbie, is you rooster free-ranged at all?

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Tue May 03, 2016 1:46 pm

Jaye wrote:QR_BBPOST Robbie, is you rooster free-ranged at all?

Yes he is, and he can sort through the Windy fields mash somewhat in the winter when I don't wet it. But he does eat some of the layer pellets.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Tue May 03, 2016 1:47 pm

ross wrote:QR_BBPOST Guess I don't have to worry all mine are loose 24/7 feeding outside on seeds , critters etc & a bucket of Turkey grower pellets in barn if they want . Don't eat much pellets when out grazing though . Luck

Do you give oyster shell? I have that for the hens, they eat it, the rooster thankfully never does.

Jaye · Post by **Jaye** » Tue May 03, 2016 3:39 pm

I'm obviously not an expert, but based on what you have said, I really don't think you have anything to worry about, based on your management practices. He gets lots of other stuff when he free-ranges, he doesn't eat the free choice oyster shell, and he only eats "some" layer pellets along with everything else he consumes in the run of a day. I would guess that the percentage of pellets in his diet is not significant enough to give him too much calcium.

ross · Post by **ross** » Tue May 03, 2016 4:30 pm

Nope all get same Tpellets & free range . I have 2 roosters out with 20 hens . Luck
PS I do have a pail of grower grit in barn but they eat little .

Post by **WLLady** » Tue May 03, 2016 4:35 pm

hm i've had lots of roosters all on just layer pellets and free choice oyster shell and grit for the girls and the boys never eat the oyster shell and i have had no issues whatsoever with any of my roosters, and some are pushing 4 or 5 years old now.....and no, some of them don't free range but i do provide grit and sunflower seeds....and some apples off and on.