Undersized Chicks at 18 Weeks

[Hidrainja4]

I don't see the confusion. I think the feed is bad for what ever reason. You can weigh them now and see what they are like in a week on the new feed. They are not getting the nutrition they need. They are old enough to add some meal worms to their diet just because they are behind and meal worms are about fifty fifty on fat and protein and they love meal worms. Just a handful or so. Also if you give liquid vitamin in water that would be Ok just make sure they have plain water also so they can chose. In my opinion these birds are under nourished and it is not because you did not feed them. Feral chickens make a living and survive in the alleys of Miami, absoluely nothing nutritious there. Your chickens should be OK now that you changed their feed.

 

[Ryguy3684]

I agree that malnutrition is one of the only things that makes sense. If you have a postage scale and are able to weight them, please keep us posted if they start putting on weight. It is a strange situation. Even if you don't have a scale, you can take pictures in a week, or so, to compare with these. Good luck.

 

[SmallStep]

I don't see the confusion. I think the feed is bad for what ever reason. You can weigh them now and see what they are like in a week on the new feed. They are not getting the nutrition they need. They are old enough to add some meal worms to their diet just because they are behind and meal worms are about fifty fifty on fat and protein and they love meal worms. Just a handful or so. Also if you give liquid vitamin in water that would be Ok just make sure they have plain water also so they can chose. In my opinion these birds are under nourished and it is not because you did not feed them. Feral chickens make a living and survive in the alleys of Miami, absoluely nothing nutritious there. Your chickens should be OK now that you changed their feed.

The confusion had to do with some photos and descriptions. Not an issue. Anyway, I’ve been feeding them a few mealworms for weeks now. As well as some other additions.
I am going to throw the rest of that bag out and give them the new stuff.
Thanks all!

 

[LaFleche]

Did you ever de-worm them?

 

[SmallStep]

I have wormed my big girls but the babies are too young in my opinion. I do put something called Zyfend in one of their smaller water dispensers. It’s got vitamins and probiotics.

 

[LaFleche]

I have wormed my big girls but the babies are too young in my opinion. I do put something called Zyfend in one of their smaller water dispensers. It’s got vitamins and probiotics.

They are not too young and de-worming might just be what they need for proper development.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I have wormed my big girls but the babies are too young in my opinion. I do put something called Zyfend in one of their smaller water dispensers. It’s got vitamins and probiotics.

I agree they may be a bit young. The fact that they have remained small but alive kinda points away from parasites.

I am a proponent of fecal float tests before worming. No need to treat what is not there.

 

[amk122284]

Wait....sorry to hijack....i was suppose to deworm my chickens?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Wait....sorry to hijack....i was suppose to deworm my chickens?

A giant MAYBE on that.

I would only worm IF a fecal float test showed an issue.
Then I would worm with a proven medication for that type if worm.

 

[SmallStep]

I’m going to give the new feed and see how they do before I go for anything else. I did just look on that bag for a milling date and didn’t see any date but there is a lot and batch number.