4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[GGLGirls]

Although new to the Forum I have been reading the brilliant advice everyone has been posting which has helped hubby and ! through the raising of our very first hens (Ginger, Lemon and Garlic) from 1 week old to now 22 weeks. So thank you.

They are all now laying with the first starting at 18 weeks old. All perfectly lain (no jelly ones so far)and getting bigger each time.

 

I do have one concern regarding the physical nature of our hens. Since moving on to Layers pellets I noticed that I can feel 2 of the girls breast bone which is quite prominent and was wondering if this is normal?

I never noticed it much before as they do love a huggle, but they have access to plenty of pellets throughout the day, and roam around the garden when hubby is home for most of the week. eating plenty of greens especially in my veggie patch (which they happily dug up my carrots yesterday ) and they go mad for sultanas which they get as a treat early evening most days.

 

Should I be supplementing their diet with other nutrients?

[Olly]

Hello, welcome to the Forum, and well done on raising your chicks to chickens!

 

I take it these are laying hens, not table birds? In that case it's normal to be able to feel the 'keel' bone. Some hens are fatter than others, but layers shouldn't be too fat. You'll get used to what's normal for your hens, but if they're eating ok and looking well, I wouldn't worry.

[GGLGirls]

Thanks for the reply Olly.

They look absolutely fine, and into everything - especially like to help me garden be it jumping on my back or they have their beak next to spade waiting for a juicy worm.

 

They are most definitely only laying hens-would never have thought we'd become so obsessed with them.

[Chucky Mama]

I was worried re my girls early on too until I realised that the amount of food that they packed away plus the fact that they are wormed frequently there is no way they could be under nourished. I think that theya re just fit plus the big fat breasts that are on shop bought chickens is not really reflective on 'normal' chickens.