Failure to thrive??

[rugbychick]

Anybody have a hen that just seems to be way behind the others? I have one that that is at least half the size of other hens her age. Any ideas??

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you watched to see if she is bullied or kept away from food, or seems to be low in the pecking order? You may want to try putting vitamins and probiotics in the water on a daily basis, and giving her some chopped egg, canned tuna, or liver as a treat to see if she puts on any weight. Also make sure they have all been wormed with Valbazen or SafeGuard Liquid Goat Wormer which are very good. There can be size differences in the same breeds.

 

[rugbychick]

I have watched her and she is not bullied, she actually has one of my silkies as her protector. I'll try your suggestions, they certainly won't hurt. Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Those treatments will at least give her a chance. She may have been born with something that affects her ability to digest her nutrients, and there are some diseases such as coccidiosis that can stunt the growth.