Baby buff orpington not feathering

[kortmom]

I have two buff orps that are 12 days old. Chick one is larger, feathering beautifully, tail and wing feathers, active, size and feathering and activity level the same as her RIR and Easter Egger sisters; chick two has always been smaller, little bigger than half chick one's size, still looks like a fluffy new chick, does have short little wing feathers starting, very quiet, eats and drinks and ineracts just fine, just more quiet and timid. I got my chicks from my pet chicken. Any ideas on chick 2? Is she possibly a he or just a slow bloomer? She is too small, quiet and timid and sweet for me to imagine her being a boy!!

 

[Judy]

They can have some marked genetic differences. Often the "runts" catch up. The larger one could be preventing the smaller one from getting much food. You could try feeding it separately, a few minutes at a time, 2 or 3 times a day.

If the are different sexes, maybe you have a "pet roo" type of male. They can range from really people aggressive to really people friendly, loving to be held and petted, etc. And Orps are typically docile and friendly.

I'm far from an expert. You might get more ideas if you post some good pics.

 

[kortmom]

I took pictures with my ipad but it will not let me post them! I will try feeding her seperately a few times a day to see if that helps. She is so much quieter than the others, I am starting to worry that she may not be thriving. She eats and drinks, but she is noticeably different than the others.

 

[ten chicks]

I have 4 orpingtons,all 4 are different sizes,they grow at different rates,just like children. I had one runty one,she is now starting to catch up at 4 weeks.Keep an eye on the runty one,if you are concerned she is not doing well.

 

[kortmom]

just to reply in case anyone is having the same problem, my little buff is finally catching up. She will be 7 weeks old on Monday and she is still smaller, but she is almost fully feathered like her sister now. She is doing great. She caught up like it was suggested.