How much should my chickens weigh?

[Pixel]

Assuming I can get them to keep still on the scales!

I've been wondering why they are not laying even though they all look really well, have been wormed etc, not sign of redmite or lice. I've been looking through my book (which is admittedly a little basic and not terribly informative- nice pictures though ) and it says they might be overweight. Got to admit they have been getting lots of treats so it looks like diet time.

So how will I know if they are too fat? They are goldlines if that helps (rhode island red x light sussex) and about 2 years old.

Thanks .

It's useful to weigh them so you can track their progress either way, but it's not so much weight as body condition that dictates whether they are fat or thin, as they all have their own build. Have a feel around the keep (the long bone down the middle of the front of the bird). It's quite hard to explain without birds to show you, but the muscles should fall gently away from the bone. If the area feels triangular, they are too thin. If it bulges around the bone and you have to search to feel it, they are definitely too fat :D

Thanks, I can definitely feel the bone when I pick them up, because I'm always surprised by it as they look so plump. Maybe it's not as pronounced as it was though...
Will have a proper look at them tomorrow. I've only just read this evening about being overweight possibly a reason for not laying, as a friend texted me about her mum's sick chicken and I was flicking through the book and spotted it.
I will hang their Feathers and Beaky veg holder a bit higher so they get more exercise .

Just noticed should be keel not keep! :) good luck with them

4-7 lbs is the average weight but depending on how many treats they have had it could creep up to 9lbs!