Dwarf/Runt Button Quail Chick?

[TaliDarky]

Okay, so my Hen hatched 4 chicks a couple of weeks ago, and this morning I went out to feed them. Today I just noticed that one of the chicks is smaller than the others, and looks like he has just sprouted wing feathers.

I know it's not a late hatch because there were 4 chicks, there are still 4 chicks, and all other eggs I removed.
Is this common?


The smaller is in the front.



When he is next to his/her sibling, you can see the size difference. And wing feathers

 

[Bryam]

No, that chick is not eating enough. Delayed growth.

 

[TaliDarky]

Ok okay. They are all getting food. Not as much bugs as they use to though since it's been so dry here. Maybe lack of insects, as they get seed and greens a bit.

 

[TaliDarky]

.

 

[313759]

No, that chick is not eating enough. Delayed growth.

And probably not getting enough vitamins and nutrients because, of not eating enough

 

[GrandmaBird]

I hope you are feeding your birds more then seeds and veggies. They need high protein food. I understand they eat insects but they still need more when in a cage and they cannot locate enough other food to get the proper amounts. Now that said I think the size difference is due to the fact that the chicks are 4 days different in growth in the egg before hatching so one will be smaller. He should catch up within 6 weeks. Good luck and you must have happy adults to hatch their own eggs.