I think my silkie is lame ...

[michickenwrangler]

Apr. 3, I bought 6 LF cochin chicks from a private breeder. The breeder gave me a free silkie since I drove so far.

Now it's been over 2 weeks and this silkie doesn't appear to be growing. It doesn't move much and only gets water when I dip its beak. It is feathering out on the wings, but it doesn't seem any bigger. The other 6 have grown, 2 are almost fully feathered out. The chicks are mixed ages, 2 are over a month old, the silkie is maybe 3 weeks at the oldest. The other chicks are so much bigger that they are constantly running this poor thing over. We find it on its back several times a day. The 4 biggest go outside during the day and the smaller two stay in with the silkie.

This silkie doesn't walk much and when it does, it kinda waddles and walks with its wings spread. I have it separated in a box with some food and water, right next to the brooder so it can hear the other chicks. It's warm in the house, about 80 degrees usually. Warmer at night when the pellet stove is on.

What else should I do?

Thanks

 

[midget_farms]

w/o seeing the chick walk I'd have to guess only. But it sounds like your silkie will be OK! Good news!

I have 7 silkies right now & raised them with a bunch of Aracauna & Buff Orps. They are all 8 weeks old now. The silkies didn't grow for a long time. They still don't have a lot of feathers, but they seem to do OK with the cold nights.

True they did get tumbled & over run every so often. You are doing the right thing by seperating, but when she gets a few weeks older you should consider bringing her back in with the rest so there are no introduction issues when you put them together in the coop.

Being that tiny - they don't each much. The meat birds & larger breeds have a ton of growing to do so they eat constantly. Not the same with the silkies.


Just be patient & keep water & feed available & I bet she will be just fine.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Thanks, I do feel a bit better.