Is it just the heat??

[socks]

Hi all, I had to separate my small flock for a couple of weeks. two injured birds (coon attack, missing toes fairly quickly healed) stayed here and the other 5 went to a friend's unused coop while we coon proofed.

This took a couple of weeks due to waiting for materials and a really nasty heat wave (I think all records were broken). Where we live is full sun and was disgustingly hot for man and beast. We did our best for the birds having them out under a tree, wetting down the ground etc. but there were times they walked around with their mouths open (not with their wings out though...) and I had to bring them into a warm basement at night. The other birds were in a lot cooler location, while warm never looked as heat stressed.

Now that we have the flock back together my husband pointed out how much bigger the other wyandotte looks (they were essentially twins in looks previously) and I am wondering is it just because they weren't eating as much because of the heat??? Or would it also be that a group of 5 tends to eat more than 2 i.e. as soon as one starts eating all the others start.....?

I feel badly that the two suffered so but we all did and the heat is over but just wondering about this puzzle. Any ideas appreciated as i am totally new to this. thanks

 

[Branderella]

when I went back to get another hen I noticed the size difference between my wyondette and her sisters( who still lived at the sellers house) My girl was bigger than most. I think they just mature at a different rate

 

[socks]

hmm....thanks for that point of view. I am also wondering if they have been feeding them a lot more treats. My friend was going out there today with some corn on the cob and I have been fairly careful to keep their treats down to recommended daily levels (like a tablespoon of scratch per bird and only small chunks of a cob).

Anyway, I have such a small flock (4) now that 3 roos are gone that it is hard to tell.

 

[Branderella]

I have four hens also. I feed them 2 cups of layer pellets. and If there are any scrap veggies/fruits. I also try to let them in the yard atleast an hour everyday. Does that sound like the right amount? I also leave oyster shell in the coop for my one layer. She barely touches it but her shells are the strongest I have ever known!