Chick not progressing...

[columbiacritter]

I had one like that too. We were really concerned since it was way behind the others in size and feathering forever, but was very active and seemed fine.

One year later.

 

[RendonRoo]

with starter crumbles they shouldn't need grit. When you start on more solid treats like crickets or greens then you should give grit. Good Luck

 

[kitchwitch]

I got mine from Ideal, which is why I asked. I heard complaints about people being given runts which may be the case here. The rest of mine are all happy and healthy and as long as yours are as well, then disease is highly unlikely.

Ridinglibrarian: I sprinkled 100 mesh sand (playground sand) over their food from day 1. Now they're on a mix of fine and coarse sand for the next few weeks until I get them some grit. We have so much sand lying around which is why I used it.

 

[lisahaschickens]

ridinglibrarian - chicks don't need grit until they eat something other than starter, and you definitely shouldn't give it to them on the first day, but McMurray suggests giving it to them starting on the 3rd day because it helps to stimulate gizzard development, plus they will be ready for treats when you start to give them. If you do this, be sure to get baby grit, which is in smaller pieces than grown-up grit.

wrenhennin - I have a couple of chicks that are way behind the others in feather development, and one that's much smaller than the others but has good feathers. They all seem to be doing just fine. I think some just mature more slowly than others - just like people! Unless the chick is acting sick at all, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[wrenheninn]

OK thanks LisaHasChickens...I wil just continue to keep an eye on her.