Welsummer chickens and prominent keel bones

[Sunshine Flock]

I keep reading in the forums that you shouldn't be able to feel a prominent keel bone. Maybe I'm misunderstanding, so I thought I'd come here and clarify what I should be feeling with my Welsummer rooster and hens. They're almost eleven months old and I can easily feel their keel bones every time I hold them.

My rooster's keel bone seems especially prominent, and he seems lighter than he should be considering his size. In early October he was attacked by a coyote and lost his ability to walk. He has since mostly recovered, aside from a mild limp.

Everything with him is normal: eating and drinking habits, mating, activity level, pooping. Is there an expected weight I should be aware of for his age, an approximation I can use for comparison? Are the keel bones on your Welsummers prominent/bony?

Thank you for any light you can shed on this for me.

 

[K3nzi3]

I can't speak for the breed, but being able to feel the keel bone can indicate malnutrition. What do you feed your birds?

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I can't speak for the breed, but being able to feel the keel bone can indicate malnutrition. What do you feed your birds?

Modesto Millings organic soy-free layer pellets. They have constant access to it. I sometimes give them pumpkin seeds and once a week I give them some cooked eggs. They free range for an hour or two while I'm present and have access to lots of greens.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I think Henry needs more food and maybe more protein in particular.

Today I gave them mash from the crumbled pellet dust at the bottom of the bag. They gobbled it right up and finished the bowl. I'll keep doing that to see how his weight fares.

 

[K3nzi3]

I think Henry needs more food and maybe more protein in particular.

Today I gave them mash from the crumbled pellet dust at the bottom of the bag. They gobbled it right up and finished the bowl. I'll keep doing that to see how his weight fares.

I wouldn't be too worried if he is acting fine. What is the protein content in your food? Too low can be just as bad as too high.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I just thought of Henry today. I was driving when I saw a coyote near the road. I couldn't find his thread to get updated on his recovery. Hope all is well @Sunshine Flock !