Andalusian Runt, Bantam, or Sick

[zshepherd]

I purchased 10, 2 day old blue andalusian chicks a few weeks ago. They are now 3 weeks old. Two of them had pasty butt the first week. One of the chicks that had pasty butt is very small compared to her hatchmates. She eats, drinks and is as active as all the others. She does not get picked on at all but does get a bit pushed about due to her size. I decided not to seperate her as she is always looking to the others for warmth and comfort. She is feathering in at about the same pace as the rest of the chicks. I am wondering if she is a runt, or ill, or perhaps a bantam. The black chicks in the photos are SLW at 2 weeks old.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

More than likely something internal is wrong with it and it will pass eventually.

 

[zshepherd]

Unfortunately, I believe you are correct. Thank you for your reply.

 

[rosemarysugar]

I'm so sorry that there is something wrong with the little baby.Wishing you and the chick the best!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Unfortunately, I believe you are correct. Thank you for your reply.

There's always a chance it will suddenly rally, but generally when one starts falling behind it isn't a good outcome. Not all are formed correctly. Things like bad kidneys or liver as an example, will take a few weeks before they fail completely.

 

[zshepherd]

Just an update. At 5 wks, she is still tiny, not feathering much, but holds her own in her flock. No one picks on her and she acts like all her mates scratching and running around.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Glad it's hanging in there.

 

[zshepherd]

I love updates to threads so I will continue to update on my very small chick. I did not separate her at all and she went out to the coop with all the others at 4 weeks. She is now 8 weeks and still small but catching up. The young rooster from her flock keep a close eye on her and actually checks on her before he roosts at night. She cannot yet fly up to the juvenile roost so she sleeps on a very low roost of her own. Her flock is a mixed group of 7-8 week olds and when they are free ranging, someone is always next to her.
The blue to the left of her is her hatchmate.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's crazy, and wonderful, hang in there little Andalusian.

 

[stuckinthecity]

please keep updating!