Increasing weight

[megdiamond]

Any advice/tips on how to get some chickens to gain weight?
I've added chick starter to their layer feed and I am feeding them a scrambled egg a day. I can feel their breast bone and they are silkies. It is winter here (-35 C) and they aren't able to free range.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How much do they weigh?
How old?
You should be able to feel their breastbone, if you couldn't they would be too fat.

If they are eating a nutritionally balanced feed with minimal treats, are relatively active, showing no signs of illness or lethargy, then they very likely do not need to gain weight.

 

[megdiamond]

I'm not sure how much they weigh. They are six/seven months old. I recently took one to the vet for a respritory related issue and the vet felt like she was under weight.
I guess it's their keel bone and definitely can just feel it prominently.

 

[megdiamond]

I have them on layer feed 18% and have mixed in some chick starter 24%, have been feeding them a scrambled egg with some vitamin E & B for two weeks. They have grit and oyster shells. As treats they get hen scratch and some greens once or twice a week.

 

[PopoMyers]

How much do they weigh?
How old?
You should be able to feel their breastbone, if you couldn't they would be too fat.

If they are eating a nutritionally balanced feed with minimal treats, are relatively active, showing no signs of illness or lethargy, then they very likely do not need to gain weight.

View attachment 2528468

Thank you for this chart! I was concerned about my almost 8 mo. old pullets, but they are doing normal chicken things and laying. Phew! I did do a worming prophylactic just a couple days ago. I guess they aren't all built the same, even if the same breed. Will they still gain a little more weight until they're a year old?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for this chart! I was concerned about my almost 8 mo. old pullets, but they are doing normal chicken things and laying. Phew! I did do a worming prophylactic just a couple days ago. I guess they aren't all built the same, even if the same breed. Will they still gain a little more weight until they're a year old?

Depends on breed, but I've found that dual purpose breeds like Barred Plymouth Rock, Orpingtons, etc. should get to full weight by the time they are a year old.

 

[PopoMyers]

Depends on breed, but I've found that dual purpose breeds like Barred Plymouth Rock, Orpingtons, etc. should get to full weight by the time they are a year old.

I have ISAs, Golden Comets, Welsummers, BSL, and a Cream Legbar x Maran.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have ISAs, Golden Comets, Welsummers, BSL, and a Cream Legbar x Maran.

They may fill out a bit more. You really don't want your laying hens to be overweight. Being overweight can make it harder for them to lay eggs, could contribute to prolapse and fatty liver disease.

 

[PopoMyers]

They may fill out a bit more. You really don't want your laying hens to be overweight. Being overweight can make it harder for them to lay eggs, could contribute to prolapse and fatty liver disease.

I am so relieved to know this. Love this forum and all the experienced chicken moms and dads sharing their knowledge. Still a newbie. Lots to learn. I used to let the girls have the run of the yard, but don't feel safe now, after seeing a few predators during the day. They have devoured all the grass in their large run. They would also destroy my flowers that starting to grow..