Failure to thrive

[Taralynn07]

I have a Wellsummer chick who is about 16 weeks old. her legs have always been a little wonky. She is getting weaker it seems. I think maybe she isn't getting enough food because we don't keep food out all day long. I have her separated and I gave her half a dropper of poly vi sol. Do you know how often your can give that to chicks?

 

[ChicNmom]

I'm not sure about the poly vi sol. Did you try to get her to eat more? Offer some scrambled egg or a feed mash?

Why don't you leave feed out for them? Just curious. Even my adults have access to feed all the time and especially any that are growing.

With the wonky legs is she having trouble getting around?

 

[tlcmurphy]

Pics? I would also suggest leaving food out during daylight hours (they don’t eat at night).

 

[Taralynn07]

I'm not sure about the poly vi sol. Did you try to get her to eat more? Offer some scrambled egg or a feed mash?

Why don't you leave feed out for them? Just curious. Even my adults have access to feed all the time and especially any that are growing.

With the wonky legs is she having trouble getting around?

Because hubby thinks they over eat. They definitely still go to bed with full crops for the most part because we have 2500 square feet in their run and also let them free range in the evening.
She normally walks a little wonky but can get around. She seemed much better this evening.

 

[Taralynn07]

Pics? I would also suggest leaving food out during daylight hours (they don’t eat at night).

Hubby absolutely will not leave feed out for them. They definitely aren’t malnourished though. I don’t have any pics right now.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Because hubby thinks they over eat. They definitely still go to bed with full crops for the most part because we have 2500 square feet in their run and also let them free range in the evening.
She normally walks a little wonky but can get around. She seemed much better this evening.

The only birds that will overeat are CornishX. Others will eat only until their needs are met. Full crops don't mean they're getting everything they need

 

[ChicNmom]

Because hubby thinks they over eat. They definitely still go to bed with full crops for the most part because we have 2500 square feet in their run and also let them free range in the evening.
She normally walks a little wonky but can get around. She seemed much better this evening.

Your husband is wrong. Young birds eat a lot because they grow fast.
Chickens don't get fat on chicken feed. Human babies and young children also need more food while they are growing. Same with animals.

Too many treats like scratch grain or human foods like breads or fatty meat scraps will pack on unhealthy weight.

All chickens eat to fill their crops before they go to bed so they have enough calories to get through the night. Especially in winter.