Hello I'm very new to backyard poultry. I bought 6 little chicks this past sunday, 2 australorps, 2 americaunas (probably misspelled that but oh well), and 2 others that I'm unsure of the breed. Anyways, ive found that one of the australorp chicks will sometimes stay away from the group and doesn't seem to be as lively as the others. (But seems to eat and drink enough as far as i can tell) There is another (one of the un identified ones) that's is just as small as her but she acts just like the others. I've checked her bottom for 'pasty butt' and she's clean. Can anyone give me some insight as to what is going on or what i can do? I'm hoping its just her needing to adjust to her new surroundings and not something I can't help with.
Baby chicks have differing temperaments, even so young. They can be expected to behave differently. Go by their basic urges - eating, drinking, pooping, and sleeping. Watch for any deviation from the norm in those functions. Otherwise, one chick hanging back, not participating in "chick games" isn't a cause for concern unless this chick becomes obviously lethargic and is spending all of its time in one spot. I would make a point of observing it continuously for periods of five minutes at a time though out the day to make sure it's engaged in all these basic functions. If it is, then you will know you have nothing to worry about. You just have a little "loner".
Welcome! Watching chicks is so much fun, and they will have different personalities. If your quiet chick is ill, you will figure it out over the next few days. Just enjoy the little guys and see how it goes. Mary
Thank you, I've been watching her off and on throughout the day, and I've seen her eat, poop, run around, and sleep (which is so flipping cute I swear) I haven't seen her drink water yet but that might just be me not being in the right place at the right time. I'm hoping everyone's right and she's just going to be the 'black sheep' of the flock.