Weight chart anyone? (Should I specify "chicken")

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I'm trying to figure out how much weight a pullet should put on on a daily basis. I want to make sure that my crossed beak chick is getting enough to eat. When I first put fresh feed in she spends a lot of time at the feeder but when I check her crop it seems empty. On the other hand when I weighed her the last few days she's been putting on 6-7 grams a day. Does anyone know what is normal weight gain?








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[HorseFeatherz NV]

Well you can

me but I do not know.

Do you have another chick, the same breed as your cross beak chick? If so, I would compare that way - example: if regular beak gains 10 to 12 grams a day compared to cross beak's 6-7, I would not worry too much. But if regular beak gains 25 to 30 grams a day compared to cross beak's 6-7, I might try to increase how cross beak is able to eat.

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Thanks HorseFeatherz NV. I did just that and basically, she's gaining 6-7 and they're gaining around 15-22. I've done everything to help this bird get enough. She eats often but her crop is mostly empty. I will have to do the kindest thing for her and the hardest for me.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Sorry

she does sound like she is behind with a challenge ahead. How crossed is her beak? I have not yet had to deal with a cross beak, but have read (I am sure you know) that deep dishes for the feed are helpful. Is she on crumbles? If so, I would switch her pellets, and a high protein - 20% or better if you can find it - every bite she takes is important. Black oil sunflower seed and safflower seeds would be good treats as they are high in good fatty oils for her. Course this is only helpful if you decide to keep her - and are up to the life challenge. You have my support what ever you decide - for what it is worth

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[NWChicks]

I have no experience with crossed beaks but I did have one that didn't want to eat initially and was very, very tiny. I started mixing her chick crumbles with kefir and she LOVED it. She would jump onto the plate as I put the food in and ride it down. Because I was worried I weighed her and her two brooder mates (one the same breed, one different) every day for awhile. The other two weighed more and gained faster but the little one was consistently gaining and that was what I was worried about. She still hasn't caught up and I don't know if she will but she's doing fine in all other aspects and is the bossy/bratty little bird out of all of them. That group was recently combined with another group of 5 that are about 2 weeks older and MUCH bigger than her, yet she's the top critter! Keep plugging away and if she's gaining steadily that at least is a good sign. Also, make sure she has enough time to eat before being pushed out or the others eat all the food. Good luck!