Chickaboo Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 Sorry, I have already put a message about Daphne being too thin, and got lots of helpful advice, but I think i'm getting a bit paranoid!! I haven't picked the girls up for about a week (because they're feet are all muddy at mo!) and I picked Phoebe up yesterday and she feels too thin to me too. They are both totally happy, eating, laying no sign of worms etc, and I don't want to take them to the vet unless absolutly necessary because it is upsetting for them. Basically what I am asking you all is; what do your girls feel like when you hold them? Can you feel they're breast bones, or are they well padded? They only experiance I have of holding a hen other than my own, is at the supermarket (sorry ) and i'm guessing they are a little unnaturally meaty. Am I worrying for nothing? I don't want to make them obese now!! Should the ideal hen be slender or chunky?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 It's all relative, but they shouldn't feel bony. You should be able to feel their Keel - breastbone, but it shouldn't be prominent, there should be breast meat on each side and some meat around the tops of their thighs. Different breeds have different builds, bit like people really. When you get used to handling your chooks you'll soon realise what is right for that hen. It's important to do this because they can disguise a lack of meat by fluffing up their feathers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 Hiya, what breeds are they? Some hens are natuarly thin. All our girls are quite big, when i pick them up they have a sticky out bone on their under side, its hard to explain. I cant feel their ribs though. But all are girls have it so I'm not worried. I hope I helped a little bit! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 I bet it's their keel that you are feeling. If they are eating and drinking normally, bobbing about happily and laying eggs, I shouldn't think you have much to worry about. It might be worth worming them....just as a precaution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickaboo Posted October 26, 2007 Author Share Posted October 26, 2007 Phoebe is a gingernut and Daphne a mendlesham amber (white with speckly bits). I'm glad its normal to feel the breast bone or keel (new chicken word for me!), pretty sure I can't feel ribs, and they do have chunky thighs. Not sure about meat either side of the keel I'll have a feel tomorrow (sleeping now ). I wormed them about a month ago, only as a precaution - could do it again, is there a safe gap you should leave between worming with Flubenvet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 The breeder I use told me a good tip. Feel the breastmeat at either side of the breatsbone. If its convex (rounded out) all is OK, if it is concave (diping in in the middle) there is a problem. I hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickaboo Posted October 27, 2007 Author Share Posted October 27, 2007 Well I've had a good feel this morning. Definatley can't feel any ribs, and meat around breast bone isn't dipping in. So thank you all that has put my mind at rest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
