Frizzled Buff Orpington, or being picked on?

[MrsJones05]

Hi, my little 9 week buff orpy's feathers seem to be curling up instead of smooth like her 2 sisters. also bare spots underneath. I haven't seen any picking, but she also seems thin. Her breast bone is very prominant.

 

[Bear1978]

Are there any other issues? Such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or self isolation?

 

[MrsJones05]

Now that you mention it, sometimes she is off roosting alone, other times she's in with the rest. Maybe I should isolate for a bit? She's a cuddler.

They are outside in a 3 x 6 x 4 ft run during the day. Weather is mid to upper 80s.

5 Silkies, 3 Buff Orpingtons

 

[Bear1978]

She may just be the lowest chick in the pecking order too. As long as she doesn’t seem sick it may just take time for them to get used to the order of who’s in charge and who’s not.

 

[MrsJones05]

Thanks. I'll watch closely. The feather curling is kinda weird too. Going up neck instead of smooth.

 

[MrsJones05]

I finally got more pics of little Emmy tonight. The first pic is like scabs at the base of feathers. None of the other chicks have any signs of this. We haven't seen any picking, she's eating, drinking, etc. We haven't seen any signs of mites or other critters.

 

[Kiraeh]

To me it looks almost like the shredder gene you see in lavender orps. Paired with being underweight, there could be a nutritional issue? The scabs are somewhat worrisome too. If she's being picked on, could be that + not getting enough to eat from being chased off the feeders.
Perhaps separate her daily and feed her extra then? It'll also let you take a look at her poops.

 

[no fly zone]

Definitely not frizzle. That type of feathering is prominent at a few weeks old.