16 week olds; look fine, but feel scrawny

[Mrs.ChickChick]

When I put my hand under their breast, they feel very scrawny. Is this normal and part of the growing up stage? Or something I need to worry about? They get good feed, treats, and nice living conditions. But it seems like they're all feathers!

 

[Capone]

hi what kind of birds are they

 

[Mrs.ChickChick]

Various kinds - SLW, GLW, BR, RIR, BA, EE.
The Black Australorp is the biggest and most filled out, but I understand she'll probably be the biggest anyway.

 

[Capone]

all my birds are not the biggest. i have 9 australorps and there not all big and full like the ones you get from the breeders. but to fatten them up for winter i give them a nice scratch feed on top of there layer pellets ration and they get nice and fat. but normaly there the same size as my red stars. so i think breeeding has alot to do with it.

 

[cybercat]

Most likly you are feeding to low protien for these heritage breeds. They must have at least 20% and with a meat source. They do not do well on a veggi only diet. Mine are just about your age and are weighing in over 5bls right now. Breasts on them are big and full and they are now just free ranging.

They bigger duel purpose heritage breeds need more protien in order to grow right. They should always even in adullts get the 20% or at least better than 17% protien. During molt it is really needed as feather use protien to grow right. Protien is your build block for muscle also. Layers that are under 7lbs when grown can eat the lower protien feeds but not the duel and bigger chickens that weigh well over that when grown.

 

[ellieroo]

Cybercat.... mine are buckeyes and seem thin also what is the best way to add extra protein?

 

[Mrs.ChickChick]

Quote:
Hmm. I wanted to try a bag of feed from my local grain mill. The tag said it was 20% protein, but I think from soybean meal. They've been on it for several weeks. They also get yogurt at least once a week, bugs (especially japanese beetles) occasional scrambled/hardboiled egg. What else could I give them to boost their protein levels?

Going to try worming them with ivermectin once it gets here (had to order online), maybe that will help.

I was hoping others would chime in and say this was just a "growing phase", kinda like my 14 year old DS, who shot up 6 inches in the last year, but is as skinny as a rail. His muscles havent caught up yet!

 

[Uppity Peon]

I am raising my first flock so not very experienced. But I would say they feel a bit scrawny under those feathers too. I can feel the keelbone in the chest. They definitely don't have the plump breasts you want in a meat bird. But they look great, and run all over the back yard. And now at almost 21 weeks I have found my first 2 eggs!

I suspect your chickens are just fine.

 

[cybercat]

Funny thing is after I was done on the net yesterday I went out to my chickens to do there last feeding and lock up. I could not feel a keel bone at all. I have stopped feeding in the morning and they only get a night feeding to get them in the coop. I am filling a gallon pichture with feed for my 24.

1 chicken according to books and here eats 1/4 lb a day. So if chickens are eating and thin I am thinking if feed is left out all day then feed needs changed. For those that need bosts try dry cat food or dog food. Either will work but only as a supplement for a short time.

Congrats Uppity on the eggs.

Ellieroo have you been to the ALBC web site? There is alot of info on raising Buckeyes there. Check there resource area for articals that will help you out. They have one on feeding buckeye but it is not called that but the info comes from a Buckeye owners.

Quote for there FAQ's on ALBC
"Chicken Care and Keeping
What do chickens eat?
Chickens are omnivores with simple stomachs. That means they can and will eat both animal and vegetable products. In addition to foraged plants and insect, as caregivers, it is important to provide them with adequate protein in a form that is easily digested, especially if you’re growing chickens for market. Heritage Chickens need more protein than is in rations prepared for commercial chickens. ALBC recommends feeding for the first 16-18 weeks of age a ration containing 28% protein, most often found in Game Bird rations or Flock diets for turkeys and waterfowl. For adult birds, the feed protein level can be backed off to 18-20%. For breeding birds, make sure their diet consists of a quality diet formulated for breeders. Note that the typical layer pellet is an industrial breed ration that contains minimal calcium and often does not include sufficient vitamins and minerals to ensure high fertility and hatchability of eggs. If you are growing for market do not skimp on the food - ever. Provide fresh food and clean water throughout the day to ensure healthy, productive birds."

Hope this helps.