Could this be a problem?

[RE1947]

I give my four "Rocks" a meal worm treat every day and they gobble them up. Today I noticed that three of them did their normal Banzai attack for the worms but one girl just pecked at a couple of worms and then walked away. She seems to be acting normal otherwise. Being that I'm new to raising chicken I'm wondering if this could be a sign of a problem? They are about 18 weeks old.

 

[beetandsteet]

I give my four "Rocks" a meal worm treat every day and they gobble them up. Today I noticed that three of them did their normal Banzai attack for the worms but one girl just pecked at a couple of worms and then walked away. She seems to be acting normal otherwise. Being that I'm new to raising chicken I'm wondering if this could be a sign of a problem? They are about 18 weeks old.

As long as she is still eating/drinking normally, has normal poops, has an overall look of health, and is breathing normally (no runny nose, wheezing, etc), and is healthy weight, she is fine. Actually she should be pretty close to laying age, so make sure you have a balanced layer diet for her, and be looking out for those little treasures in the nest!

 

[RE1947]

Thanks for the information. No runny nose or sneezing, eating and drinking ok so maybe just passed on her treat today? I will start on a layer feed and I started adding oyster shells a few weeks ago so I hope I'm feeding them properly. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

 

[beetandsteet]

Thanks for the information. No runny nose or sneezing, eating and drinking ok so maybe just passed on her treat today? I will start on a layer feed and I started adding oyster shells a few weeks ago so I hope I'm feeding them properly. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Sounds like you're doing good I think your hen is fine. You may want to just keep an eye on her for a few days. Also, as just a note, don't feed treats--like the mealworms, scratch, etc.--more than 10-15% of the chickens diet. This could cause decreased egg production (when they start to lay),and contribute to vitamin/mineral deficiencies.

 

[RE1947]

Thanks, I will keep the treats to 10-15%. I also give them fresh corn, vegetable greens, pumpkins, cucumbers, etc. Some they will eat, others they don't really seem to like. Kinda like my grandkids.