Are “ Runts” common in chicks?

[Craig Cowan]

Photo shows 2 Silver Laced Wyandotte chicks. Born the same time as all the others. Lower one in photo is Runt.
The one just above is sister.
At 16 days all, including her sister are measurably bigger.
Might it be the “ Breed “, or just Genetics or just this chick.
Thanks in Advance
Craig

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Not necessarily just runts. In rabbits and poultry, they're considered failures to thrive. Usually they don't last too too long and will have a harder time surviving and having a quality life

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have seen where I had straight run chickens the boys bump out the girls during feeding and also pick on the girls as they are growing up. if you had a bunch of roosters chicks I would keep them separate after about 6 weeks.

 

[Ivahribal]

Photo shows 2 Silver Laced Wyandotte chicks. Born the same time as all the others. Lower one in photo is Runt.
The one just above is sister.
At 16 days all, including her sister are measurably bigger.
Might it be the “ Breed “, or just Genetics or just this chick.
Thanks in Advance
Craig

My chicks are 1 week old today as well! I started noticing over the past few days that I also have a Wyandotte that is about half the size of her sisters. She had pasty butt and I’ve resolved that issue. I will try giving her eggs and be keeping a close eye on her. I’ve never had a chick just cease to grow. I wonder at what point i would need to separate her