Why are some of my chickens underweight?

[Barnette]

Several of my older hens feel skinny and light and I don't know why. They free-range but have access to a full feeder all the time, and I toss feedon the ground for them often. The chickens seem healthy, perky, bright... I don't think they are sick but I can't be sure. What should I do?

 

[swamphiker]

Parasites can cause weight loss. Check for mites and lice in their feathers and worms in their droppings.

 

[Barnette]

Parasites can cause weight loss. Check for mites and lice in their feathers and worms in their droppings.

Thanks! I will

 

[Wyorp Rock]

older hens feel skinny and light and I don't know why. They free-range but have access to a full feeder all the time, and I toss feedon the ground for them often. The chickens seem healthy, perky, bright

Sounds like they are just fine the way they are.

Perky and Bright are not words I would use to describe sickly hens.

Behavior is key.
If they are active, eating/drinking, foraging and have no issues with laying eggs, I would not worry too much.

It's not a bad idea to look them over for lice/mites.

If you are concerned about worms, get a fecal float through your vet. Collect a sample of fresh overnight droppings and take them to the vet for testing.

 

[Barnette]

Sounds like they are just fine the way they are.

Perky and Bright are not words I would use to describe sickly hens.

Behavior is key.
If they are active, eating/drinking, foraging and have no issues with laying eggs, I would not worry too much.

It's not a bad idea to look them over for lice/mites.

If you are concerned about worms, get a fecal float through your vet. Collect a sample of fresh overnight droppings and take them to the vet for testing.

Okay, thanks! They all seem healthy except our blind hen, whose problems are separate from this question. How much do the fecal floats cost on average?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Okay, thanks! They all seem healthy except our blind hen, whose problems are separate from this question. How much do the fecal floats cost on average?

I have no idea, you'll have to call your vet.