Thin Chicken

[lalilala]

My girls are now getting used to being held. I can't believe how they enjoy being with us. Today I picked up one of the golden girls and was shocked to feel how thin she was. There was no crop and her breast bone felt like a razor. Is this normal? She seems quite happy in her self.

[lalilala]

[lalilala]

Goodness, there must be someone out there with some advise! She has a droopy tail now. I have started a worming course as this may be the problem. She is still laying and appears to be eating well.

[KittyKatt]

I kept chickens years ago as pets. From what I remember from when I used to hold mine she does seem too thin to me, and a droopy tail is not a good sign. Is her comb still red and upright (good), or is it floppy or pale or have a bluish tinge (not good)? Is she being bullied by the other chickens? I think I would take her to the vet.
HTH
Kitty Katt

[manicscousers]

all our chickens are very bony, they're ex battery, bred for laying, not meat, they eat like mad but don't put any meat on  :)

[macmac]

Saw her today she looked quite happy ;)

[goodlife]

Some chickens are a bit bony...and young ones do not necessary put weight on until later on...it's bit like us humans.. ;)
You have wormed them and if they do not have any other parasite problems there is not huge amount else you you can do.
Just make sure they are never short of food and water..and while they still are "in need" of shaping up..some extra treats are not bad idea..just be careful not to give too much greens..as like mine they would much rather tuck in "plate of salad" than boring pellets...
Mine do not get supply of extra greens until I have seen that they have had they fill with pellets or mixed corn(afternoon) first. During winter I give them warm mash once a day in where I mix some treats..eg. chopped apple, peas, dogfood....I use this mix for worming too..there is never anything left in the bowl so I'm sure they have had they medication.. ::)
Just be careful with bread and pasta..only small amounts at the time as they doesn't have much nutritional value..just empty calories..