Hen looking thin- is this normal?

[manorhousechix]

I have an Amber White hen (less than a year old) and she’s looking a little on the thin side. It’s entirely possible that I’m imagining it because it’s not drastic. She’s laying well for this time of year and she’s the only one in the flock who looks like they’ve lost weight. Could it be a response to the change in seasons? Is weight fluctuation normal?

Here’s a picture of her now:



And before:

 

[pallas]

Have you checked to see if she’s eating? Could also be loss of feathers making her look thinner, try weighing her so you can document how much she’s lost if things get worse.

 

[micstrachan]

What a pretty girl! It's too hard to tell because of all the feather fluff. Can you feel her breast and see how pronounced her keel bone is? I don't think that breed is supposed to be particularly lean. It's good to hear she is laying. Have you checked for parasites? How is her poop?

 

[MissChick@dee]

Could be worms.

 

[ejtrout31]

Can you separate her so you know for sure she is laying?
Also if u separate her post a stole sample.
Check around her vent and other the wing for lice and mites.

 

[manorhousechix]

Really helpful, thank you!

How pronounced is the keel bone supposed to be? Vent looks clean and poop is normal as far as I can tell.

What a pretty girl! It's too hard to tell because of all the feather fluff. Can you feel her breast and see how pronounced her keel bone is? I don't think that breed is supposed to be particularly lean. It's good to hear she is laying. Have you checked for parasites? How is her poop?