Mamagirl3
Songster
Of course chickens are like people -- all sizes ... all metabolisms, etc. But we have this hen that is one of 7 we hatched 2 years ago when our grandson didnt realize he couldnt put our light brahma roo in the pen with the black jersey giant hens. We had a buff that just went broody so put some of those eggs under her. They are beautiful big hens... varied patterns of black & white.
My question? 6 of the 7 are about the same size.. but 1 is so big!! When they run toward us she has to stop at least twice before reaching us... she literally waddles when she walks... she is my fav... so sweet ... but struggles keeping up with the others. From hatch they have all had the exact same feed. Same fresh fruits/vegs. Same treats - meal worms and in winter a little scratch that contains cracked corn.. only cold months. They do have access to bird seed and black sunflower seeds that the birds knock out of the feeder. Not a measurable amount between 7 hens. I was convinced she was just eating more... so we took away the feeder and began feeding them twice a day. They do free range at least 6 hours a day except extreme cold weather. Controlling feed made no difference for her and she was never piggie when eating like pushing others away to get more. Eventually we went back to original feeders and put up cameras... we watch them a lot... especially all winter this year.. lots of very very cold and more than normal ice and snow... so they had their coop and covered portion of their pen mostly. During these days we did not see that she ate anymore than her sisters? When you see her walking she is the epitome of what you think of as ""an old fat hen"". But now at 2 years old i fear she will have health issues that cut her life short?? Any of ya'll experienced an overweight hen that was able to correct it? She is not experiencing any problems at this time. Their roost is only 36-40 inches high... and she still has no problem getting up on the roost. We have some large heavy breeds so dont make high roosts to prevent feet/leg injuries jumping down. Thanks to all--
My question? 6 of the 7 are about the same size.. but 1 is so big!! When they run toward us she has to stop at least twice before reaching us... she literally waddles when she walks... she is my fav... so sweet ... but struggles keeping up with the others. From hatch they have all had the exact same feed. Same fresh fruits/vegs. Same treats - meal worms and in winter a little scratch that contains cracked corn.. only cold months. They do have access to bird seed and black sunflower seeds that the birds knock out of the feeder. Not a measurable amount between 7 hens. I was convinced she was just eating more... so we took away the feeder and began feeding them twice a day. They do free range at least 6 hours a day except extreme cold weather. Controlling feed made no difference for her and she was never piggie when eating like pushing others away to get more. Eventually we went back to original feeders and put up cameras... we watch them a lot... especially all winter this year.. lots of very very cold and more than normal ice and snow... so they had their coop and covered portion of their pen mostly. During these days we did not see that she ate anymore than her sisters? When you see her walking she is the epitome of what you think of as ""an old fat hen"". But now at 2 years old i fear she will have health issues that cut her life short?? Any of ya'll experienced an overweight hen that was able to correct it? She is not experiencing any problems at this time. Their roost is only 36-40 inches high... and she still has no problem getting up on the roost. We have some large heavy breeds so dont make high roosts to prevent feet/leg injuries jumping down. Thanks to all--
