Young layer hen losing weight

[micschoenborn]

Hello,

I have been reading this site for a few months since I took the plunge and got my layers, 2 BO 3 BA 3 BR 2 EE. Thank you for all the great info so far.

My problem today is this- a couple of my hens are getting skinny. As far as I can tell, only about 4 are laying, and 2-3 of those are quite thin. They look good, and are acting normally. I haven't seen any loose or bloody poo, no obvious worms. They get layer crumbles and scratch grains. We live in MN and are having a very cold winter so far. They are in an enclosed unheated coop constantly (because they won't go outside since it snowed!). The non-layers, including the roo, are not skinny. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance. mic

 

[chickorama]

Are they at the bottom of the pecking order??? The others are probably just being territorial.

Also, what in the world do EE and BA stand for?? I have always wondered.
I know SSH, BLRW, BR, BO and RIR stand for, but not BA and EE.

Oh, wait a minute. Is EE easter egger??? I have no idea what BA could be...

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Worm them & dust for mites, also watch and make sure they are getting enough to eat.

 

[TurtleChick]

ba = black australorps? that would be my guess.

eta: oh yeah, and ee DOES = easter egger!

 

[micschoenborn]

EE-easter egger
BA-Black australop (sp?)

I'm not sure if they are at the bottom of the flock, but when I'm watching they seem to get to eat OK, and there's plenty of food in there.

I've been contemplating worming them, I'll get that done ASAP.

Thanks!

 

[ChickenSquat]

just my opinon, but i would switch to layer pellets,maybe there not getting enough to eat with the crumbles? plus if you don't already, give layer pellets 24 7. ive got a 7 pound feeder filled every 2 days for 15 hens and their fat as can be.

 

[micschoenborn]

I haven't been able to find the pellets yet, but I'll keep looking.

I have a 12# feeder that always has layer crumbles in it.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Quote:
You'll want to use a broad spectrum wormer. Piperazine only takes out round worms; I think you'd be able to see those if that was the problem.

 

[gritsar]

I had some concerns because 3 of my girls (out of 18 chickens total) were not as heavy as I thought they should be for their age. They also showed no sign of illnesses.
Although I'd never seen any indication of worms I decided to go ahead and worm them with a broad spectrum wormer.
Everyone is fat and happy now.
I plan to worm once a year now as part of my management plan. They free-range so I feel like the potential is there for them to pick up worms.