I have 14 barred rock chicks in a brooder. They are about 11 days old now and I have them since they were 5 days old straight run. Two of 14 seem much smaller (may be 35% by look than average) and not too crazy about the chick starter in the feeder. They eat it, but not as vigorously as the others.
Is it normal to have such a large spread in size in the chick flock? My concern is they may start being pecked heavily later on if they don't catch up. Would feeding those 2 (and only those 2) some high protein food (e.g. cooked fish/meat) improve that imbalance? I hope I did not get 12 dudes as if those smaller ones are the only future hens, lol.
Is it normal to have such a large spread in size in the chick flock? My concern is they may start being pecked heavily later on if they don't catch up. Would feeding those 2 (and only those 2) some high protein food (e.g. cooked fish/meat) improve that imbalance? I hope I did not get 12 dudes as if those smaller ones are the only future hens, lol.