weight gain in young chicks...

[jakejdc]

Okay, so I'm not really what you'd call a 'chicken' person... I'm more of a 'parrot' gal. I have a young chick I believe to be an Easter Egger, (I rescued the egg... long story.. ) She/he is 5 weeks old and I'm concerned not gaining enough weight. A Parrots body condition is partially determined by the 'meat' on the breast... Whether the keel bone is prominent or not. My little chick has quite a sharp keel bone... and not much breast yet. At what age should the chick begin to fill-in? I am still feeding a good starter food a well as anything we're having in the kitchen that he chick might be interested in.... oatmeal this morning, greens, eggs, veggies... etc. Has a good appetite and eats 'til the little crop is slam-full! Any knowledge out there would be appreciated! THANKS.

 

[Judy]

I think they concentrate on feathering more than their meat when they are that age. They will reach full height somewhere around 20 or 25 weeks, but not full adult bulk or weight til around a year. (Of course, this varies with breed and even the individual.) I think with chickens, you have to go more by behavior. I actually don't remember, though, whether my young chicks had prominent keel bones.

Are you raising her alone? Chickens don't do their best when alone. They thrive in a flock setting. I'd suggest you get a few more chicks, or perhaps find her a home among other chicks approximatel her age. In the meantime, she would probabl appreciate a "companion" -- a feather duster, chick sized stuffed animal, etc. It's even possible she will gain weight better with a companion or two.