Skinny chicken

[jojorose8]

Hello all! I have 6 chickens that are 7 months old. 2 barred rocks, 2 speckled Sussex’s, 1 Easter egged and 1 golden comet. All of them are laying except the Easter egged and 1 of the speckled Sussex. These two are at the bottom of the pecking order and appear much smaller than the others. The speckled Sussex is much skinnier than the other speckled Sussex who is laying. Could they be not getting enough food? I’ve never seen the other girls stop them from eating, but I suppose that could happen when I’m not around. Is there something I should do or is this normal?

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

I've heard that EEs can be notoriously late to lay. So I wouldn't worry about the no laying. As for your skinny chicken, as long as she isn't being chased away from the feed, she should be getting her nutrients. Some chickens are just skinny, but there could of course be a problem. Is she malnourished, or is she just lightly built? Best wishes!

-Chatty

 

[jojorose8]

I can’t really tell. Her comb is still very small compared to the other Sussex. Ive always just thought she was a smaller slow to mature chicken, but now I’m worried. They have a very big pen, free range several times a week and get scratch treat daily along with free choice food.

 

[Chickassan]

You might want to put out another feeder just in case those girls are getting chased from the food. They eat 1/4 pound of food a day and that's hard to do if they're getting chased off.

 

[MillersFarm]

x2

Could I see a picture of these two birds? I've had 3 EEs same age start laying all at different ages. So all you can do for now is wait.. Again i'd love to see some pictures.

 

[chickens really]

Layers develop the plump look...If she is not laying she still looks stream line like a Pullet ....Right?

 

[jojorose8]

@chickens really- She does still have the look of a pullet. Much smaller looking.

@MillersFarm - I will take some pictures and post them tomorrow.
I just realized I haven’t taken many in the last month.

@Chickassan - I’m going to set out another feeder tomorrow and see if that helps.

 

[LilJoe]

@casportpony

 

[chickens really]

@chickens really- She does still have the look of a pullet. Much smaller looking.

Yes...If she still is imature she won't be laying yet...

 

[casportpony]

@casportpony

Underfed hens are less likely to lay, so I think I would try to get some more food in the ones that aren't laying. Might be related to feed, might be age/genetics.