Help with tiny Marans

[Kscott45]

I need help with a 6 week old Marans, its a 3rd the size of its hatch mates, I've seen it drink a lot and it spends along time pecking around in the feeder, its has a lot of adult feathers, but when you pick it up its skin and bones. I can't see any defect with it, beck, eyes, legs, and feet and backside all look normal, I moved it in with younger chicks as its cluch mates were knocking it around and now the younger chicks are a lot bigger. I've never seen this in 40 yrs of hatching, anyone have any idea or experience in whats going on with this chick? I hate to cull it, its such a nice chick but thinking that mite be best. I just hate to give up on it. Please help.

 

[CMV]

It has failure to thrive. I am surprised you have not come across this before. The chick likely has a hidden defect. These chicks often die despite all intervention. There is not much to do about it, but make sure it has access to resources and doesn't get trampled. Culling would not be an inappropriate response to this situation, unfortunately. I don't generally cull chicks unless they are actively suffering, but...slowly starving to death is no picnic I would imagine.

I am sorry. Good luck.

 

[Kscott45]

Thank you