Underweight chickens?

[CMcGrath71]

Hi Everyone,

I've noticed recently that my chickens feel very underweight (keel is sticking out). I feed them Peck and Scratch Organic Layer Feed with 16% protein, supplemented with sunflower seeds, scrambled eggs, dried mealworms, kale and some kitchen scraps. They sometimes free range. Very spoiled girls.

I've never dewormed them and wonder if this could be the cause of their underweight. Do y'all advise poop testing first or just preventative deworming? I have Valbazen on hand, but have never used it.

Thanks for any advice/feedback! Much appreciated!

 

[azygous]

What is the age of these hens? If under a year, the layer feed may not have enough protein for still growing chickens. They continue to fill out for another year following maturity.

 

[13hensandaroo]

I had the same concern with my flock. Some on the low end of the pecking order were skinnier than others. Once I dewormed them they put on some weight and their combs started looking plumper and deeper red. It really wouldn't hurt.

 

[CMcGrath71]

They are all 2 years old. There does not seem to be any relationship to pecking order.