Why aren't they full grown? 24 weeks old and still not very big

[chickenlover89]

Hi all,
I have 7 chickens within 22-24 weeks, and they aren't very big. I have given them grower feed from blue seal since they were 8 weeks old. I have 2 girls laying eggs, but they still aren't full grown chickens and I have no idea why! Thanks for all the help in advance!

 

[TNBlacktails]

Maybe they are full grown but theyre bantams. Only idea I have .

 

[donrae]

Post pictures with something for size reference.

 

[chickenlover89]

ok, and TNBlacktails i know at least 4 aren't bantams.

 

[TNBlacktails]

o well it was just a thought

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

What breed are they? I'm used to Buff Orpingtons and Jersey Giants and they grow up and fill out nicely by 6 months.

The last time I had a broody, I went to the feed store to get EE's but feel in love with the owner's Blue Andalusian. So I bought three of those instead. They are 20 weeks old now and barely weigh 2.5 lbs. So they look tiny to me compared to my big Jersey Girl.

I'm wondering if perhaps you got a breed that just doesn't get very big or if very slow growing?

 

[chickenlover89]

TheSpiceGirls, I have 1 barred rock, 2 delawares, 1 BO, 1 Blue Wheaten Ameraucana (bantam possibly), and 2 lavender araucanas (also possible bantams)

And sorry it took so long but I got a bunch of pics now!

2 delawares:
1st Delaware:

















2nd Delaware:












Barred Rock (Layer, and she went inside to lay an egg when I came to take pictures so I only have 2)





Blue Wheaten Ameraucana:











And the 2 araucanas:
Rumpless Araucana:












Tailed Araucana:













Thanks All for your help!!

 

[donrae]

They look full grown to me

 

[Melabella]

Ameraucana's mature much later than most standard breeds. Same thing about the BO's. The other girls look like wonderfully healthy appropriate sized new layers. You don't want your birds too big and overweight. Just like people, teenagers are fertile, but don't look like totally mature adults yet. Goes the same for young hens. Sure enough, they will one day older hens.

Heck,, be thankful you are getting eggs, I have 23 week olds, and nothing.. nada, zip, zilch.... grrr....

Pretty birds...
Enjoy!

MB

 

[chickenlover89]

thank you, Melabella, should I keep them on grower, or will they grow the rest off layer?