How much weight can a typical hen carry?

[mun5]

Hi

Just curious, does anyone know how much weight can a typical hen carry without hampering movement (walking and flying) or causing injury? Could a 5.5lbs hen safely carry, say, a 1lb load?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would not be asking a chicken to carry ANY added weight.

Is there a reason she should?

 

[mun5]

I would not be asking a chicken to carry ANY added weight.

Is there a reason she should?

If a pigeon can fly with 10% of its body weight, then wouldn't a chicken be able to do at least the same? I was thinking of putting a camera on her.

 

[aart]

I was thinking of putting a camera on her.

The weight would probably be fine, with a lightweight 'go pro' type camera....
....but attaching that it so it stays on might be a challenge.
Not to mention 'training' the bird to tolerate it.

 

[swamphiker]

I have no experience with this, but the rule of thumb for pigeons is that they carry no more than 10% of their body weight. In addition to this, I would carefully watch the chicken to make sure she is still able to drink/eat/do chicken stuff without discomfort.