Skinny hens

[purpletree23]

I've don't have 'plump' hens. When I pick them up I can feel their keel bone very prominently. I think

I am doing everything right but apparently not. They get fresh water in the morning and in the evening. Free choice of crushed oyster shell and grit and two feeders that are always full. They have three runs that they rotate through so they have grass and bugs and weeds to eat and dirt to scratch in.

I don't see evidence of worms but they are wormed each spring (rotate through wormers also so the worms don't get resistant) and one time did use ivermectin when there were mites. Right now I don't see any mites or lice or anything! For feed they get Extra Egg crumbles from Blue Seal. A few times a week they get scratch. I don't like Tractor supply.

Once in a while they will get a treat like oatmeal or yogurt or even scrambled eggs and pasta especially when it is -20 degrees out. The hens range in age from 5 to 2 years old.

Their coop is big enough, has windows and is insulated. I use a sweeter heater in the winter. Love it! I use deep litter method. Coops is dry and no ammonia smell. Of course it is dusty. Good ventilation at the peak of the roof.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Overly fat hens lay fewer eggs, lead shorter lives, and produce fewer chicks than slick nubile hens do. A hen who is not to fat and not to lean will have hip and pelvis bones that are prominent but that have just a hint of padding. Also the breed of chicken, how its housed, how much it exercises and the quality of its rations will influence a hens' or roosters' body.

 

[donrae]

I can feel all my hens keel bones, I think its normal. That's how they are built, they aren't meat birds. If you're really concerned, weigh them. If they fall in the normal range for their breed, are healthy and productive I wouldn't worry.

 

[purpletree23]

Thank you both for your input. I will take your advice. They get quality rations but they do run around the yard like they've had too much caffeine. One minute they are in the front woods and the next they are way out back by the pasture. I feel better...thanks.