chick growing slow...does he have a problem?

[Ozarkhomesteader]

I got 4 chicks from a nearby breeder. 2 are gold cuckoo marans, and 2 are blue gold partridge brahmas. They are about 4-5 weeks old i think, and 1 is not growing like the others. compared to the other brahma, he is smaller and only has some feathers on the wings. The other one has lots of feathers. Could the little guy be stunted or something? Is there anything i can do too help him? he has free access to food and water, and eats and drinks as much as the other ones (i know he is eating since i have the 4 in my bedroom, so i see them all the time). Thanks in advance.

 

[thecrumbler]

Is it possible he could be a different breed, or mixed with a smaller breed? That could explain a signifigant size difference. If he's happy and healthy, I wouldn't get too worried, he may just be slow to start and can end up just as big.

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

Is it possible he could be a different breed, or mixed with a smaller breed? That could explain a signifigant size difference. If he's happy and healthy, I wouldn't get too worried, he may just be slow to start and can end up just as big.

Thanks for the answer! I don't think so...the breeder i got him from breeds purebred show birds, and i guess it is possible to have a mixup, but not likely. my biggest concern is not the size, but the fact that he is so late on feathering out.

I am worried because i once had a duckling that just never grew up. He had a disformed beak and had to open his mouth to breathe. When the other 3 ducklings were all feathered out and almost adult size, the little fellow still looked about 2 weeks old. I was surprised he survived that long (almost 3 1/2 moths). I just hope that this little guy isn't like that. Thanks again for the feedback!

 

[frenchiegirl21]

The smaller chick could've hatched from a smaller egg. I've had chicks hatch from different sized eggs stay at their different sizes until they are all grown up! If he seems healthy and doesn't seem to have any problems eating or drinking I really wouldn't worry about it. Does it run around with all the others? Also, could you post a picture of him please?