Help! Hens are all losing weight...

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you so much, that's really helpful! They've usually had a nice amount of muscle (around a 3), but all of a sudden they're much thinner... I'd say somewhere between a 1 and 2.

If they feel around 1-2, then ask your vet to run a fecal float.

You switched feeds, are they eating the new feed o.k.? Have you noticed if they are picking/choosing different pieces out and leaving the rest? Are you giving treats too?
With loose feed like that, let's say...they may pick out all the corn and wheat, but leave the peas or other things - if they are doing that, they are not getting a complete balanced "meal". At 16% protein if you are giving them a lot of other treats too, then that would dilute the protein and/or nutritional daily content they are getting. While this may not be the cause of weight loss, it's something to look at.

 

[kathrynleigh37]

They love the new feed that we've given them... I haven't noticed them picking certain things out. I guess it's possible but it usually seems like they're eating everything. We do give them treats, but I'd say it's a really small portion of their diet.

We have talked about switching them back on to crumble as a safer bet to make 100% sure they're getting all of their nutrients...

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They love the new feed that we've given them... I haven't noticed them picking certain things out. I guess it's possible but it usually seems like they're eating everything. We do give them treats, but I'd say it's a really small portion of their diet.

We have talked about switching them back on to crumble as a safer bet to make 100% sure they're getting all of their nutrients...

If they are eating it all, then that's good!
Consult your vet to see about checking for worms and go from there. Also, do your weights once a week to see if they are losing/gaining weight. They may be fine where they are. If they are active, eating/drinking, laying eggs, etc., then you may just need to monitor them for them now.

 

[kathrynleigh37]

Okay... thank you so much. We're definitely going to monitor their weight... The only reason I'm so concerned is that they felt heavier a month or two ago and I don't remember every being able to feel their bones. Wish I'd started weighing back then.

I'm going to check with my vet this week so we know for sure whether we're dealing with worms... But what are anyone's thoughts on regularly deworming them as a preventative measure?

I really appreciate everyones responses! Thank you!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Okay... thank you so much. We're definitely going to monitor their weight... The only reason I'm so concerned is that they felt heavier a month or two ago and I don't remember every being able to feel their bones. Wish I'd started weighing back then.

I'm going to check with my vet this week so we know for sure whether we're dealing with worms... But what are anyone's thoughts on regularly deworming them as a preventative measure?

I really appreciate everyones responses! Thank you!

Where do you live (state)?
Some people may never need to worm their chickens at all, while others that live in warm humid climates like Florida may have to routinely deworm.

If they don't have worms, then a preventative measure would be a waste of time and money, since there's nothing to "treat".

 

[kathrynleigh37]

I live in Oakland, CA. Definitely not as humid as Florida but gets up to around 60% humidity this time of year.