Skinny Birds???

[devilclawz]

OK, our RIR's are at 12 weeks. They are all cool with being picked up. But when we do, they feel "boney." They have unlimited food (grower), we give them treats, scratch grains and grit. They look and act healthy. Any reason for concern?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

They are at that gawky stage - so they aren't going to fell as full-bodied as you would expect a mature bird to feel. How much of the "other stuff" are they getting daily? Treats (anything other than their grower) should make up no more than 10% of their daily intake - less is better - most treats, including scratch, are fairly low in protein and protein is key in building good body mass in a growing bird, which is why starter/grower feeds are higher in protein than maintenance feeds. Have you seen any indications of external or internal parasites?

 

[Chicken Girl1]

They are at that gawky stage - so they aren't going to fell as full-bodied as you would expect a mature bird to feel. How much of the "other stuff" are they getting daily? Treats (anything other than their grower) should make up no more than 10% of their daily intake - less is better - most treats, including scratch, are fairly low in protein and protein is key in building good body mass in a growing bird, which is why starter/grower feeds are higher in protein than maintenance feeds. Have you seen any indications of external or internal parasites?

x2

 

[devilclawz]

I have 9 in the run now. I give them appx. 2 cups of scratch most mornings, I try to stay below the 10%. Have not noticed and evidence of any parasites. They all have nice feathers and poop looks normal.
And keep out unlimited grower always.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have 9 in the run now. I give them appx. 2 cups of scratch most mornings, I try to stay below the 10%. Have not noticed and evidence of any parasites. They all have nice feathers and poop looks normal.
And keep out unlimited grower always.

How much grower feed are they consuming in say a day or a week? Sometimes it is easier to think in terms of how many days you go between having to buy/open a new bag of feed.

 

[devilclawz]

I have a 20 lb feeder. Usually half or more disappears each week. 9 birds, I can tell theyre growing, just boney.