First post - question about healthy weights/size/activity

[rumblebug00]

Hi there! I'm definitely a newbie to chickens. And though I've been a frequent visitor to BYC for a few months I haven't actually posted anything...so here goes.

I think I'm a paranoid chicken-mama. I was a paranoid people-mama so it's only natural I suppose! My little chicks (4 of 'em - 2 BO, 1 Australorp, and 1 barred rock) seem to be happy. They peep a LOT and run around like crazy in their pen. I was letting them crawl all over me tonight and noticed they seem super boney. It doesn't help that their big girl feathers are growing in so they look disheveled and generally uncomfortable. They don't seem lethargic or sad. They eat like crazy and happily peck and scratch at everything. Is that a good indicator that despite seeming 'lean' that they are indeed healthy?

Here they are exploring the front yard for the first time. They are almost 2 weeks old. Or maybe they are two weeks old now...give or take a few days. Thanks for any input!

 

[cooped up]

Looks to me like you've got some cute chicks.It also sounds like you're doing a good job meeting their needs.

I'm raising my second batch of chicks now that my layers are 2 year olds. This time around I'm keeping a log on how much they change. It's surprising how much they change in such a short time.

Enjoy them!

 

[bj taylor]

mine are thin under their feathers too, but i think they'll fatten up when they quit growing so fast.
aren't they fun?

 

[rumblebug00]

Thanks for the quick response! And yes, I am completely enamored with them. My husband is being very patient...but I think he's secretly hooked on them now too. I think I'm expecting them to be fat fluffy egg layers quicker than they are ready to be! I am looking forward to using this website to it's fullest awesomeness...I've already had so much help just by reading the forum. Thanks again.

 

[LaynaDon95]

It's totally normal for them to feel thin under their feathers. The feathers do make them look quite a bit fatter than they are, even in adult chickens. They look perfectly healthy (and adorable) to me. Keep up the good work.