Lizzie Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Hi Our older chooks have been with us for over 9 months now and don't seem to be as heavy as the newer hens we have (8 weeks) They have layers pellets, mash, special pellet porridge every day as well as weetabix, corn, mealworms as a treat. They are being wormed now, their house has been treated for red mite Is there any reason why they should be not gaining weight ? Any advice gratefully received Regards Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Are they the same breed? Don't forget that a laying hen put all its energies into producing eggs, and not into putting on body weight.....in fact, they are usually on the lean side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Like Eglutine says, a laying hen literally puts all her resources into egg production. When a chicken is in lay, her skeleton becomes a lot more porous, she literally absorbs some of the calcium from her bones in order to make shells for her eggs. This would probably account for the lower weight. As long as they're eating and doing all normal chickeny things, I wouldn't worry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie Posted April 28, 2009 Author Share Posted April 28, 2009 Many thanks They are ex batts so hybrids. Only one seems to be laying consistently and she seems the plumpest. I will keep my eye on them but they are active and happy Regards Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
