Scrawny Layers???

[rdranch]

We have 18 pullets that are 26 weeks old. They lay nearly a dozen eggs a day and everybody seems very happy and healthy. When I check vents and handle them they all seem to have very little muscle mass. The keel bone is easy to feel as there isn't much muscle tissue, it's the same with the legs also. Ever since they would eat stuff from the garden they got some everyday. Mostly summer squash, cucumbers and greens. How old do they need to be before their bodies start to fill out?

 

[erinm]

Are they the EE's. They don't seem to be a hafty bird. mine aren't neither are the leghorns. erinm
I mean hefty

 

[chickbea]

My only thought would be to bring a fecal sample in to be checked. Have they ever been wormed?

 

[rdranch]

I forgot about the worm thing. Thanks for the reminder. I will check with the vet to see what they need for samples and how much it will cost. Thanks

 

[rdranch]

Well after cutting way back on the veggies they are eating their layer pellets much better. They get some greens in the morning and maybe a couple of tomatoes in the evening. I didn't realize that the more veggies they were eating the less protein they were getting. I have cut back on the scratch and added some sunflower meats and flaxseed to it. Better to give more scratch during the coming colder weather. With all the other discussion threads you can answer most questions by just reading more of them. I also put a feeder in their run so they don't have to come in and eat and the less agressive girls can get all they want. After a week most have put on some noticeable muscle.

:yiipchick:yiipchick