Thin Hen - Help?

[LilJoe]

I have a Brahma hen that is a year+ old. She is pretty thin and has been like this for a few months. She has just molted and most of her feathers are grown in. I've seen her eat and her crop gets full, but she's still thin. Another thing- she is at the bottom of the pecking order.

I don't know if this information will help, so please ask questions if you needs to.

Thanks in advance,
LilJoe

 

[LilJoe]

Worms?

 

[Eggcessive]

My hens always lose weight during a molt when they act aloof, have a decreased appetite, and mope around. I would feed her some high protein treats in moderation, such as just a little dy cat food, chopped egg, tuna, or meat. My chickens love a pan of wet chicken feed with a lot of water in it, plus a tiny bit of plain yogurt. Only put enough in there that will be eaten within hours. Have a few feed pans available for the lower pecking order hens. Some worm once or twice a year, or get a vet to check droppings for worms or coccidiosis. Valbazen 1/2 ml once and repeated in 10 days is very good. Or you can use SafeGuard Liquid Goat Wormer.

 

[LilJoe]

I will try that. Thay you very, very much!

 

[Abriana]

Mealworms are fattening, and have protein. Just don’t give too many.

 

[rebrascora]

You could also start monitoring her weight weekly to give you an idea of how she is doing and assess her body condition by feeling her breast bone.
I would take her to one side and give her special high protein treats and perhaps add an extra feeding station to your set up so that she has more chance of getting plenty of food.

Good luck with her

Barbara

 

[LilJoe]

Will do! Thanks!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

How many chickens do you have in your flock? How many feeders do you have? Sometimes hens on the lower end of the pecking order are forced away from the feeders. Maybe add another feeder.

 

[LilJoe]

18 hens 1 cockerel

Three feeders. Yes, seems horrible, but i've had way more on 4 feeders and everybody ate well.
Most of the time the chickens arent near the feeders so I dont know why she just doesnt eat then?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

That is so odd. Maybe post a few pictures.