Fluffy_Butt_Hutt
Chirping
- Jul 20, 2025
- 51
- 65
- 81
These birds of concern from my flock have been eating the same local scratch and peck's feed until now at 18-22+ weeks old. The oldest one of concern is 3.7 pounds and the 18 week olds are varying from 3.2 to 3.8. I have no knowledge of these ones being mixed (there are four). They eat around 1/4 pound feed each, each day. I've tried to deworm them with those natural dewormers but now I'm considering using albendazole since I think they might have tapeworm, but honestly it seems unlikely they have one. Otherwise, I have no clue why they are so small. I have consistently checked their poo every three days for worm-like substances and found nothing. I think I can feel their keel bone (around their low breast it's hard and there isn't fat or much muscle around it. I can push my finger in to the side around half an inch). I'm mostly wondering, are they all runts, is it worms, are they underfed, or something else? I've known the oldest one to be slightly smaller than her flock-mates, before a bobcat got them. It'd be interest if the other three are also just smaller in size as well, if that is the case.
Also, for reference, the biggest in our flock is a 17 weeks old backyard mix at 4.6 pounds. Her keel bone feels around the same as the oldest one. The oldest one is laying pullet eggs slightly larger than a quail every other day with some extras in-between. Eggs look completely healthy. The oldest is also top of the pecking order, but I place food in every corner so nobody is being stopped from eating. They are not limited on how much normal feed they get. They also get black soldier fly larvae (around 0.2 lb), grass, sometimes edible herbs from the garden, and around half a pound of fruit a day (either cut apple, tomato, or watermelon) to share between 7 chickens. Everything is free-choice and separated. I cannot pinpoint any odd or lethargic behaviors. Their coop is a bit crowded, with each getting around 3 sqft of space inside, chicken math is real. They have an attached run to the coop which has 60 sq ft of ground space. Their day-run space, which they are in for 9+ hours a day, gives them 14 sq ft of ground space each and is 6 feet tall. Could it be caused by space? Are they just still growing?Any input is welcomed!
Also, for reference, the biggest in our flock is a 17 weeks old backyard mix at 4.6 pounds. Her keel bone feels around the same as the oldest one. The oldest one is laying pullet eggs slightly larger than a quail every other day with some extras in-between. Eggs look completely healthy. The oldest is also top of the pecking order, but I place food in every corner so nobody is being stopped from eating. They are not limited on how much normal feed they get. They also get black soldier fly larvae (around 0.2 lb), grass, sometimes edible herbs from the garden, and around half a pound of fruit a day (either cut apple, tomato, or watermelon) to share between 7 chickens. Everything is free-choice and separated. I cannot pinpoint any odd or lethargic behaviors. Their coop is a bit crowded, with each getting around 3 sqft of space inside, chicken math is real. They have an attached run to the coop which has 60 sq ft of ground space. Their day-run space, which they are in for 9+ hours a day, gives them 14 sq ft of ground space each and is 6 feet tall. Could it be caused by space? Are they just still growing?Any input is welcomed!
