[chickenlady]

Tonight I was putting the girls into their new house and when it came the turn of our new blackrock, her keel bone was really prominant?? she feels really thin compared to the others, even the blubelle who is the same age 15-16 wks. Should I give her extra food on her own? they do come out of the coop and feed but still get bullied by the others sometimes, Is there anything I can give her that will put on weight fast???

[GrannieAnnie]

You don't want a fat hen CL, fat hen's don't lay good eggs.  It's funny, was just talking to a chap tonight who had some of our Amberlinks in January and some of the Babcocks.  He was saying that there might be a good bit of meat on the Babcocks when they are past laying, but I told him they are all egg layers, not meant to be meaty!  Whereas the Amberlinks are a lot leaner.

But if you want to build her up a bit, can you get her away from the others for a while and let her eat more?  But don't forget, if she's too fat and well fed, she may go off lay!!

[Aunt Sally]

It may just be that she's a different breed to the others but keep an eye on her for any other symptoms.

You could add another feeding station to ensute that the new girls can get to the feed more easily.

[Vickie & Richard]

My bluebelle is far bigger than any of my other birds, in size and weight.  I wouldn't worry about it hun.

[chickenlady]

Thanks for the replies! She is a blackrock and is probably only about 14-15wks old, I have read some other threads and have been giving her some spaghetti and bread soaked in milk,(sneakily so the others dont see) there are plenty of feeding stations including one inside the henhouse so am hoping she will fill out a little her keel bone feels so sharp!!!!!