A couple of questions re underweight rooster

[Roostersgalore]

Hello! My roo that’s been picked on has been very light when I pick him up and the other two roosters are heavier. They are all some type of silkie, so not the chunkiest breed. I think he’s been hiding away and not been able to access food because they will bully him.
Today I kicked the mean ones out to sleep in the run and the guy jumped down from the roost and started stuffing his face. He’s 5 months, so still young for a silkie and just about got his big boy feathers in. Is there anything I can do to get him a little bigger and healthier? He’s smaller stature than the other two also.

Also I googled if his favourite all time treat was ok (fat balls) and most of the info was re obesity. But maybe as a snack it’ll do him good as a side to his pellets? Any advice appreciated !
Edit: he weighs around 2 lbs / 1040 grams

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Don't give him fat balls. There is absolutely nothing good for him in those and it will just make his diet unhealthy.

If he's not being allowed to eat, he needs his own space so that he can have free access to feed

 

[HumbleAmerican]

You've answered your own question I believe.

Provide multiple feeding stations and obstacles to allow the little guy a chance to escape and eat/drink.

This is common behavior for multiple cockerels. I've also seen single cockerels use the pop door and feed stations as ambush points for 'showing his intentions' to the ladies.

 

[Roostersgalore]

Don't give him fat balls. There is absolutely nothing good for him in those and it will just make his diet unhealthy.

If he's not being allowed to eat, he needs his own space so that he can have free access to feed

Ok cool! I havent been giving him whole ones just small chunks occasionally. But wont be adding it for extra calories! Thanks! When i Get rid of the two others he Will Get some hens so less aggression.

 

[Roostersgalore]

You've answered your own question I believe.

Provide multiple feeding stations and obstacles to allow the little guy a chance to escape and eat/drink.

This is common behavior for multiple cockerels. I've also seen single cockerels use the pop door and feed stations as ambush points for 'showing his intentions' to the ladies.

It was an unintentional gang of boys! Was hoping for none and its an intense intro to the chicken world! Glad its nothing shockingly abnormal for one to Get bullied away from food. Suppose i was wondering If there was anything Else i should give to Get him back on track but I’ll stick to pellets and healthy snacks! Thanks!

 

[HumbleAmerican]

It was an unintentional gang of boys! Was hoping for none and its an intense intro to the chicken world! Glad its nothing shockingly abnormal for one to Get bullied away from food. Suppose i was wondering If there was anything Else i should give to Get him back on track but I’ll stick to pellets and healthy snacks! Thanks!

Best thing is lots of escape routes and plenty of space. I had 3 RIR cockerels that free ranged. 2 would gang up on the one several times a day. Not allowing access to provided food and didn't let them back in the coop until very much so fading daylight. So much so that the one slept on the floor.

 

[Roostersgalore]

Best thing is lots of escape routes and plenty of space. I had 3 RIR cockerels that free ranged. 2 would gang up on the one several times a day. Not allowing access to provided food and didn't let them back in the coop until very much so fading daylight. So much so that the one slept on the floor.

Free range would help but in this area the two problem roosters would be gone by the day with the predators here. But RIR as in Rhode Island Red? Those are probably even more quarrely than the silkie boys! Sounds like you figured it out!

 

[NatJ]

the guy jumped down from the roost and started stuffing his face.

Also I googled if his favourite all time treat was ok (fat balls) and most of the info was re obesity. But maybe as a snack it’ll do him good as a side to his pellets?

If he does not get enough food, then any food (including fat balls) will be better than nothing. That might be why they are his favorite treat (quick calories that he can eat before someone steals them.)

But getting all the pellets he wants will be MUCH better than giving him fat balls.

He does not need different food. He just needs enough food, and as soon as you make that possible he should be able to gain the weight he needs.

 

[HumbleAmerican]

Free range would help but in this area the two problem roosters would be gone by the day with the predators here. But RIR as in Rhode Island Red? Those are probably even more quarrely than the silkie boys! Sounds like you figured it out!

..... I ate 2 of them.