How to perform body condition scoring in hens

Regular body condition scoring (BCS) is a simple yet powerful tool to monitor the health and productivity of your hens. By gently feeling the muscles around the breastbone (sternum), you can assess whether a hen is emaciated, underweight, normal, or overweight—each with implications for her wellbeing and egg-laying performance. Try to ignore the keel-bone itself as it will always feel prominent on a laying-type hen.

• Emaciated hens lack muscle-mass, so you won't be able to feel muscle either side of the keel bone. An urgent red flag.

• Underweight hens show some muscle. You'll just be able to feel them either side of the keel bone.

• Normal hens have muscles you can easily feel, without bulging around the keel bone.

• Overweight hens have smooth, well-padded muscles which bulge slightly, either side of the keel bone.

The accompanying diagram visually guides you through these conditions. Regular checks allow for timely dietary and management adjustments, keeping your flock in top form.