Hi everyone, i am new to chooks and I have 5 silkie chicks that are around 10-12 weeks old. So far I know I have 2 grey cockerels, 2 possible pullets and possibly one buff cockerel in disguise as a pullet.
4 of my babies are in great condition. They feel like a healthy weight (even though I can still feel the breastbone) and are growing well. The buff however I am getting worried about. My feelings are that he is a cockerel (despite the overwhelming crest feathers that have needed 4 trims so far so it can see) simply because of the fact that it is the absolute bottom of the pecking order. The poor little thing can’t stretch its wings without getting chased around by one of the others.
At the moment they are in a rather small space 2m square as my partner broke some ribs and hasn’t been able to finish the run (36m2). He is hoping to have it done in a week or two (or I am hiring someone to finish it).
The reason for my post is that my little buff is so very thin. It feels like it is just feathers and bone. They have a constant supply of food and sneaky treats that I probably shouldn’t be giving them at their age. Is it normal for the bottom of the pecking order to be so thin? He is a happy little thing and eating normally - there is no sign of illness in him or the rest of the flock. What is the best way to fatten him up? I was told to not feed them too many treats until they are older but at this point I am leaning towards letting him hang out with me in the house a few hours a day and loading him up with as much protein rich food as he can handle.
What are your thoughts? I want to get on top of this quickly because I am worried he might not make it if it gets any worse.
Thanks for your help everyone.
4 of my babies are in great condition. They feel like a healthy weight (even though I can still feel the breastbone) and are growing well. The buff however I am getting worried about. My feelings are that he is a cockerel (despite the overwhelming crest feathers that have needed 4 trims so far so it can see) simply because of the fact that it is the absolute bottom of the pecking order. The poor little thing can’t stretch its wings without getting chased around by one of the others.
At the moment they are in a rather small space 2m square as my partner broke some ribs and hasn’t been able to finish the run (36m2). He is hoping to have it done in a week or two (or I am hiring someone to finish it).
The reason for my post is that my little buff is so very thin. It feels like it is just feathers and bone. They have a constant supply of food and sneaky treats that I probably shouldn’t be giving them at their age. Is it normal for the bottom of the pecking order to be so thin? He is a happy little thing and eating normally - there is no sign of illness in him or the rest of the flock. What is the best way to fatten him up? I was told to not feed them too many treats until they are older but at this point I am leaning towards letting him hang out with me in the house a few hours a day and loading him up with as much protein rich food as he can handle.
What are your thoughts? I want to get on top of this quickly because I am worried he might not make it if it gets any worse.
Thanks for your help everyone.
