Good idea raising the water station.
Hard to know why she's smaller...some chicks seem tiny, then have a growth spurt. If she's eating/drinking and active, the I would just keep watch on her. Sounds like she's doing o.k. on that front.
Is the vent pasting over or just getting dirty...
Gotcha!
Looks like you were already reading up and getting some good info!
LOL We all have been there...I still watch babies like crazy (and the adults too).
I would clean that off.
Stick the bum under warm running water and work the poop off gently.
Dry the chick well, I usually use a hair dryer on low - careful not to get too close to the delicate skin.
Never heard of cleaning a pasty can cause more pasty - do you have a link?
I could see if...