I have some 18-week-old pullets who seem to be much smaller than they should be at this age. How can I get some size & weight on them? Or is it too late?
They are from good stock, from McMurray Hatchery. They've been fed Country Acres chick starter since I got them as day-old chicks in July. But when they were around 2-3 months old there was an upper-respiratory infection going through my flocks. It started with these chicks, spread to the other layers & meat birds, and back again. They've been treated for 7-10 days each time with 3 different antibiotics.
Now they're free from all symptoms, sounding & acting well. But just smaller than I think they should be. They are almost adults, should begin laying in the next month. But although they are shaped & feathered like adults, they are too small.
Is this the size they will stay for their adult lives? Or is there still time to get them to grow larger? Please advise.
They are from good stock, from McMurray Hatchery. They've been fed Country Acres chick starter since I got them as day-old chicks in July. But when they were around 2-3 months old there was an upper-respiratory infection going through my flocks. It started with these chicks, spread to the other layers & meat birds, and back again. They've been treated for 7-10 days each time with 3 different antibiotics.
Now they're free from all symptoms, sounding & acting well. But just smaller than I think they should be. They are almost adults, should begin laying in the next month. But although they are shaped & feathered like adults, they are too small.
Is this the size they will stay for their adult lives? Or is there still time to get them to grow larger? Please advise.
