Why are my pullets not gaining weight?

[GrannyYank]

Good morning!
I’ve been concerned about weight gain with my chickens. They are about 4 months old feathered out beautifully, look and act healthy. We have 21 pullets and they are eating approximately 10 pounds of feed ( layer 22% protein pellets) every 2-3 days plus free range and treats, but they still seem skinny to me when you pick them up there just isn’t much meat on them. Any ideas? Should I add scratch for fat content?

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

there is no need for pullets to gain weight, as long as they are eating their regular food, they are fine.

 

[Lily the poultry keeper]

They are fine, it honestly also depends on the breed too. Like what crazy4chickensNducks said, no need for them to gein weight. As long as they aint skin and bones or dead, they're fine. Also good job on giving them the feed, a good diet

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

I've found that pullets seem to stay quite slender looking until after they start laying, then their bodies seem to fill out a bit. If you feel the front of their breast bone, as long as it isn't sharply jutting out with fully concave sides, they should be OK.

 

[GrannyYank]

Thanks! My breeds are Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, Golden Comets and Silver laced Wyandotte’s. All medium to heavy breeds.