Hot weather, thin growers :( Please help

[Judy]

I had a lab cross like that -- she was really easy to train to be safe around the chickens; actually all my dogs were. It's what makes free ranging feasible here. Just taught "no" and that it meant chickens, then rewarded for not touching one. Much as I do with a new cat.

I buy different brands of feed. Depends which store is most convenient. I think some are fresher than others. Here, though, you never know which store's feed will be fresher that day. I tend to buy 25# instead of 50# for that reason. I like mine up around the house, too. I feel like they are safer. They tend to stay up here if it's really cold or really hot. They also keep my foundation shrubs well fertilized and bug free, and may even keep critters out of the house.

 

[Olive Hill]

I can't believe it hasn't already been said, but 11-12wo chickens tend to be gangly looking to begin with. They're in that adolescent stage where they just don't quite fit their own bodies, they're long and thin and growing rapidly at that age. I've got 8 weekers outside who are some funny looking little creatures right now. They'll catch up and put some meat on once they stop growing up so quickly. Unless they're considerably thinner than what is normal -- because a thin look is normal at that age -- for their stage of growth, I wouldn't worry too much. Just keep them cool as best you can and let them grow.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Very good point. Duh.