Breast bone in chicks

[sphillips]

I've got several 11 week old chicks of different breeds. A few of them still have a fairly prominent breast bone, ( I can feel it under the feathers), and some like my Barred Rocks are plump. Is it normal for growing chicks to take awhile to fill out? They get free feed and treats, and all seem to be eating well with the exception of one, which I posted about in the 'emergencies' section. I wasn't ever able to get hands on with my Leghorns, but my new chicks are much friendlier and let me handle them, and that's how I've noticed this.

 

[TinaG]

I've noticed the exact same thing with my 2 week olds. I know they'll fill out but I've been so used to handling older birds, particularly parrots, that anytime you feel a prominent keel you begin to worry. I think it's fine as long as they're active, eating and drinking well, and feathering out normally.

 

[sphillips]

TinaG: Thank you! I was thinking it was because they were still growing, and my experience has been what you said about other birds.