Lacking Breat Muscle on Chickens

[jlhale]

I have a flock that varies in ages and noticed that all of them have protruding breastbones (in various stages). They have constant food & water, have been tested for worms, have been through antibiotics (suggested by a vet to rule out infection), I've tried doing electrolyte treatments - all with no positive results. They seem to have stopped losing weight, but none seem to be gaining weight.

the vet had no further suggestions - thus I was wondering if anyone else has run into this problem and how they resolved it. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[MoodyChicken]

Odd. I'd treat for worms if you haven't. And increase the protein in their diet. Swanson Farms (if you have this feed in your area) makes a really great, inexpensive feed that keeps my birds fat and healthy. It's made with animal proteins, which are higher quality than plant proteins. That might help. Also, keep their cages warm. If they're expending a lot of energy to stay warm they'll lose weight.

 

[Indiana hens]

probiotics and high protein feed 24%. Make sure they have been wormed. If they are losing weight and the feed stayed the same; my guess is worms or pests(mites or lice). I had some 1/2 of my 3 yr-olds that had leg mites and gave them a bath of goat wash(permrethrins)/dish liquid / water, they have fattened back up.

 

[speckledhen]

Are the thin hens still laying? Lots of things can cause weight loss, including internal laying in the last stages.

 

[jlhale]

The hens are laying - they entire flock is currently living in my basement as their pen is covered in snow (and it was cheaper to have them in my warm basement). The average temp is about 50 degrees downstairs.

I'll definitely check the protein level. Mine are under treatment for leg mites - but my friends do not have mites and she has the same problem. Its weird.

What type of probiotics? Do you have a favorite brand?

I'll try the goat wash too.