concerned about growth

[rehsanipoor]

We have 6 chicks (golden comet, barred plymouth, buff orp). The barred plymouths are smaller than the others but one is noticeably smaller than the other. Her behavior seems normal and she eats and drinks regularly. Should I be concerned? I'm wondering if the bigger one may be male. Any ideas? How/when will I know if the bigger one is a roo?

 

[rehsanipoor]

After looking more closely at them I realized that the bigger one (Ruby's) bottom is completely black while Penelope's is white. Is that an indicator of sex? Getting a little concerned!!

 

[rehsanipoor]

I forgot to put that they are 4 weeks.

 

[Folly's place]

Was the smaller chick a lot smaller from the first? Maybe it's a bantam? Especially if they are from a feed store, anything's possible. Hatcheries can goof too, when sorting chicks.
If your little chick is eating and drinking and running around, that's all you can do. Wait and see.
Mary

 

[chickens really]

If it's doing fine then don't worry about it..Possibly it's a Cockerel as they are slower growers than Pullet Chicks..

 

[rehsanipoor]

hmm.. they were the same size at the beginning. Does anybody know if the color of their bottoms mean anything? One is totally white and the other is totally black.. seems strange to me.

 

[rehsanipoor]

Anybody else have any ideas regarding the coloring on their bottoms? One is completely white and one is completely black.