concerned for chick

[big-e]

I have an easter egger chick that had pasty butt at 1 week old. I cleaned her up and she seems healthy, although she is a bit smaller than the rest of flock. however she has always been dark around vent and feathers don't seem to develop well just in that area. she is about 9weeks old now. should I be concerned?

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Not necessarily. Sometimes you can have a runt that is slow to grow. Many times they do catch up to the others, sometimes not. You can help the immune system with probiotics. These will help to prevent pathogens taking hold in the body and really help boost immunity. I have heard that fermenting the feed can really boost the immunity and help chicks grow fast. Here is a nice thread on fermenting their feed...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/645057/fermented-feeds-anyone-using-them

But just keep an eye on this little one. If he stops eating or drinking well, be sure to post in our emergency section or the raising chicks section for more help with him. Welcome to our flock!

 

[big-e]

Just doesn't seem to be feathering around vent like others

 

[big-e]

Thanks for the welcome and reply. I'll try to get some pics. I started with 11 domoniques and 5 Easter eggers !

 

[TwoCrows]

If he is a runt, he may feather slower than the others. Cockerels can be slow to feather also. If his immune system is weak, having had pasty butt as a young baby, he will be slow to grow all over.

Try the probiotics. They will also help him digest his food better for more nutrients and good health.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! TwoCrows has given you some good suggestions... pictures might help figure out if there is something going on ... the other chicks aren't picking the feathers off of him are they?

 

[gander007]

Alright

A common problem but try this put some probiotic in the water and feed you chicks a hard boiled egg one a day for a week as there is plenty of protein, vitamin B-3 and niacin all good stuff for your chicks ......




Some of the chicks having egg's for breakfast ...

 

[drumstick diva]

You have gotten some good advice, I hope your little fella will be doing better soon.