Developmental delay?

[squishychicky]

I have this odd little barred rock chick. Born 31st October, and so few feathers, as well as half the size of his/h

er fully feathered hatch mates.

Is this normal? I am starting to wonder if I accidentally received a bantam!

 

[MissChick@dee]

She looks as if she’s been plucked. Does she get bullied? A chicken that gets bullied can be pushed off their feed and if severe enough starve. Less food could relate to slow development.
What is your flocks behavior with this chick?

 

[squishychicky]

It eats well, doesn't seem to be any bullying. I am sitting with them now while they free range, this one's always been a bit fiesty, and loud!
They were broody raised, she rejected them a week ago, but this one seems to hold it's own

 

[squishychicky]

The little ones have a protected food source from the hens, and there is definitely no bullying between the chicks, there's only four of them and plenty of food.

 

[Mimi13]

The first picture of it makes me think it has some Naked Neck in it.

 

[MissChick@dee]

It eats well, doesn't seem to be any bullying. I am sitting with them now while they free range, this one's always been a bit fiesty, and loud!
They were broody raised, she rejected them a week ago, but this one seems to hold it's own

I can’t come up with something concrete as to why. Check for parasites & her skin condition. I don’t know if you keep your chickens in a run or a coop but most of my bullying happens in close quarters (coop at night) or when cornered like in a run. While free ranging there’s lots of room to run. Dynamic’s change when you can’t get away. I’d be so curious to find out why she’s missing feathers but I’d be more concerned with her stunted growth. Sometimes chickens will just go thru the motions acting normal so they don’t draw unwarranted attention.
If she were mine I’d actually want to see her eat. I’d crate her and observe her intake. While I was at it I’d give her a good exam. Head to toe and I’d for sure be looking at her skin especially where she’s missing feathers. Best wishes

 

[tacothechicken]

Looks like a small naked neck(I believe there is a bantam form)

 

[squishychicky]

Thanks for your reply. Definitely see her eat, skin is red down the sides, but white under her neck, no signs of parasites. Hens are in a coop overnight, run during the day, but with escape areas. They only free range supervised, i try for 30 to 60 mins a day.

I'll keep a closer eye on her and see what i can find.

 

[squishychicky]

Oh, definitely not a naked neck, breeder has none. She/he does have down wherever there are no feathers

 

[MissChick@dee]

Okay just had another thought. Is there somewhere in your fencing that has something on the other side of it that she goes after?
Meaning sticking her head all the way thru to peck at it and it’s rubbing her feathers off?