Underfed or just still growing?

[tn_artist]

Hey, all. I have been noticing that some or my birds chests are not filled out, and their breast bone is prominent. I can feel it when I pick them up. Other breeds, the same age have full chests with a dip inward at the breast bone. Example: all of my OEGB have 'robust' chests but all of the bantam Cochins chests sink in. They have grower feed at all times, scratch feed on alternate days and get to run the yard the other days. I have two pens, hence the alternating.
Am I somehow starving my birds?
They are all 4-5 months old.

 

[Mrs. K]

Do you have multiple feed bowls positioned so that a bird eating at one bowl is hidden from a bird eating at another bowl? Might be there are some bullies keeping them off the feed.

 

[tn_artist]

I see them eat, but I will try more feeders, thanks.

 

[Mrs. K]

How are they acting? I generally go for the idea, if they are active, inquisitive, quick, bright eyed and good feathers (except now when molt is immanent) then I figure things are going well and chickens are healthy. I don't really worry about my chickens in this state. And to be honest, I never check their crops.

If they are lethargic, dull eyes, not active.... then I would be considering something.

MRs K

 

[tn_artist]

How are they acting? I generally go for the idea, if they are active, inquisitive, quick, bright eyed and good feathers (accept now when molt is immanent) then I figure things are going well and chickens are healthy. I don't really worry about my chickens in this state. And to be honest, I never check their crops.

If they are lethargic, dull eyes, not active.... then I would be considering something.

MRs K

They act total fine, but I lost my favorite Cochin a few weeks ago and he felt skinny under his feathers when I picked him up. I couldn't find anything wrong with him and he was fine the night before.
My little Black Cochin just feels so bony when she come over for pets.

 

[ketojenn]

Certain birds are probably keeping them from the food. When I process birds I always find some with a lot of fat that obviously never missed a meal and some that are quite lean. I watched certain birds bully others away from the feed. I had a turkey that would go from feeder to feeder and chase everyone away, over and over. He is no more and things have gotten less stressful at feeding time.

 

[Perris]

have you checked for worms?

 

[ValerieJ]

I keep 4 feeding stations and 5 or 6 watering stations for what is normally a 12 bird flock. (Only 9 atm ) My girls will definitely chase each other away from food, so none of the feeders are in view of other feeders. It has worked very well for my flock. I don't really see them fight over the water dishes, but I just like them to be available all over the place. Hydration is so important. It might be as simple as chicken style food fights. Hope all goes well for you!!!

 

[coach723]

Different breeds will be different, every individual bird is going to have different genetics. Comparing a orpington and a game bird for example, they are going to be very different but still both healthy. My EE's tend to be thinner and less 'breasty' than my barred rocks and wyandottes. If they are too thin, then adding feeders is a good idea, every group of birds is different, what works for one group may not work for another. Getting them checked for parasites is also a good idea, that could be a cause of weight loss, or not gaining. If you don't have a vet that will do a fecal test for you, there are mail in options.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J5SOZ4/?tag=backy-20

 

[tn_artist]

have you checked for worms?

Will worms show in poop?