8 week chicks not growing!!

[polishchickens111]

Quote:
I agree that your pen is too small for the amount of birds you have. Those dimensions above are good, but bigger if you can.

 

[Arielle]

IF you are short on protein, consider another source. Can you get fish meal? Or soybean meal? If you cant get chick starter, protein is you most limiting nutrient in their feed. Dried cat food generally runs about 35% protein. I toss all meat and bone leftovers to the chickens because they can pick the bones clean. I realize some people choose not to feed left overs or meat to their birds, as a matter of personal choice, even if chickens are omnivores; you can supplement with a vegetable based protein. See you feeds deal for more information.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

If it were me, with 50 degree nights and not gaining weight I'd put the light back on them, with food and water 24/7.

Sorry I have no more suggestions.

 

[mammat]

Purina flock raiser is 20% protein...which is plenty. I think your temp and coop size are fine. Seriously I have had 2 week olds in a 40 degree coop with no issues. The night light my help so they can see i

f they wake up at night to eat.

 

[Minniechickmama]

It doesn't sound to me that there is any explanation for your birds seeming smaller. If they just look shorter bodied but are as tall, I wouldn't worry about them a whole lot. You may just have some lanky birds, which is possible with the breeds you mentioned. If you have ample food and plenty of clean water, they should be fine. Even in that amount of space, I don't see any reason for them being stunted, if in fact they are.
The big question should be, do they look and feel healthy?
Are they active and eating like they should be?
Are they drinking well?

It may sometimes seem like young chickens are not growing, then all of the sudden they just grow like crazy. Maybe that is all you have going on here.
Flock raiser should be a good enough feed for 8-week old chicks. It is not uncommon for feed stores to stop carrying chick starter for a while in fall and winter. I would go with crumbles rather than pellets though.

Good luck.

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

Quote:
I would agree that maybe some added protein would be the ticket here. I feed my chicks the occasional meal worms after one week old along with Quick Chik in their water and have noticed a big difference in growth and overall health. I also liked the idea about a light at night when they are young like that to increase their eating time.