Are these roos or hens

[jgarcia883]

None of them look like they are underfed or too small. Just switch out the layer feed for a grower type feed. They need the higher protein content if they are still undergoing juvenile molting.

Oh ok im going to switch out there feed today since they finished theyre layer feed.
Any other tips? Im first time raising layers. Im a gamefowl raiser

 

[AmandaMBG]

Is there anything i can do for them to bulk up? I herd from a neighbor that my astrialorp is under weight as of 5/6 months old.

That is a good indicator that they have either been underfed or do not have enough protein in their feed. I'd do what I do and switch to a 17 or 18% grower, free choice grit and shells (oyster or egg) on the side, and little fresh scraps and treats every day. Mealworms are an affordable and easy treat/supplement to raise to help boost protein. I'd stay away from any watery lettuces like iceberg as they lack nutrition as well as too much rice or bread. Black oil sunflower seeds are supposed to be really good treats too but I haven't got them yet as its been in the 100's most of the summer where I am and I didn't want them to gain too much weight. It will probably be a good option for you tho.

 

[drumstick diva]

Your birds are all pullets and should start laying very soon.

 

[jgarcia883]

For the future.
How can you tell hen from rooster?

 

[junebuggena]

Males typically have much flashier coloring. Also, males usually turn bright red in the comb by 10 weeks old, many weeks earlier than pullets. By 4 months, the male specific saddle and hackle feathering is usually very visible

 

[jgarcia883]

Males typically have much flashier coloring. Also, males usually turn bright red in the comb by 10 weeks old, many weeks earlier than pullets. By 4 months, the male specific saddle and hackle feathering is usually very visible

Ok because the delaware i have has a huge waddle and comb compared to the rest. In the picture against the rest of the pullets. I thought it was a rooster

 

[junebuggena]

Ok because the delaware i have has a huge waddle and comb compared to the rest. In the picture against the rest of the pullets. I thought it was a rooster

She's just the most mature. With Delawares, the males have barring through the tail, and lighter barring through the hackle/neck feathers. She is also lacking the long, thin saddle/back feathers that a male of the same age would have.

 

[jgarcia883]

She's just the most mature. With Delawares, the males have barring through the tail, and lighter barring through the hackle/neck feathers. She is also lacking the long, thin saddle/back feathers that a male of the same age would have.

thanks for the advice i didnt know how to tell. All my kelso hens and roosters are easily to tell from color. But never knew how to tell with layers

 

[BirdManOK]

That is a good indicator that they have either been underfed or do not have enough protein in their feed. I'd do what I do and switch to a 17 or 18% grower, free choice grit and shells (oyster or egg) on the side, and little fresh scraps and treats every day. Mealworms are an affordable and easy treat/supplement to raise to help boost protein. I'd stay away from any watery lettuces like iceberg as they lack nutrition as well as too much rice or bread. Black oil sunflower seeds are supposed to be really good treats too but I haven't got them yet as its been in the 100's most of the summer where I am and I didn't want them to gain too much weight. It will probably be a good option for you tho.

Just stop... those chickens are obviously not nutritionally deficient or underfed... They appear to be well taken care of... they'll lay when they are ready...

 

[AmandaMBG]

Just stop what exactly? He asked A question. I was responding. Sooo why don't you stop. And you can't gage the weight of a bird through a photo btw. She could be on the small side.

Just stop... those chickens are obviously not nutritionally deficient or underfed... They appear to be well taken care of... they'll lay when they are ready...