Is My Sussex A Midget?

[RareVermillion]

Hi!

On St P’s Day I adopted two Speckled Sussex pullets from TSC. Fun times, as one she turned out to be a handsome he, and the other pullet I’m pretty sure is just extra tiny for her breed. All of my poultry are named after Don Bluth characters; let me introduce the roo, Charlie (Charlie Barkin, All Dogs Go To Heaven) and Minnie (Rockadoodle)! I’m in love with them both but I’m concerned about Minnie’s health keeping them from bonding with the rest of my flock. Charlie is still fairly small considering his breed, but doesn’t concern me at his age. Minnie, on the other hand, although she eats and acts like a regular chicky, seems to be having a difficult time adjusting to temperature. If it’s less than 60 outside, I always have to bring her in early because she shivers and can’t really tolerate the cold. Charlie does perfectly fine. I know they’re still quite young, but my first four hens were outside full time by around this age as they just hated their indoor accommodations. Charlie and Minnie are inseparable so if she comes in, he must come with her. Minnie fits perfectly still in the palm of my hand. Anyone have any ideas, advice, or comfort to offer? I’m very attached to all my birds, but Minnie is exceptionally special because she needs a little extra care and appreciates snuggles!

 

[azygous]

I'm guessing around ten weeks? Knowing the age is helpful.

Since Minnie has come this far, she will likely be fine, but she could be lagging in development, not just size. The fact that she's often cold points to possible immature organs. She's not able to process her nutrients and calories efficiently so body heat is not being fully generated.

She's probably borderllne failure-to-thrive (FTT). For such chicks, extra protein is necessary to finish development. But the type of protein should lean toward plant protein rather than animal protein as the latter can be very hard on the kidneys of growing chicks and cause more problems down the line.

Let Charlie eat the special foods, too. That way Minnie is more likely to eat. Crumbled tofu, boiled egg, yogurt, and high protein grains - quinoa, couscous, oats, and millet. These are to augment their regular feed.

 

[RareVermillion]

I'm guessing around ten weeks? Knowing the age is helpful.

Since Minnie has come this far, she will likely be fine, but she could be lagging in development, not just size. The fact that she's often cold points to possible immature organs. She's not able to process her nutrients and calories efficiently so body heat is not being fully generated.

She's probably borderllne failure-to-thrive (FTT). For such chicks, extra protein is necessary to finish development. But the type of protein should lean toward plant protein rather than animal protein as the latter can be very hard on the kidneys of growing chicks and cause more problems down the line.

Let Charlie eat the special foods, too. That way Minnie is more likely to eat. Crumbled tofu, boiled egg, yogurt, and high protein grains - quinoa, couscous, oats, and millet. These are to augment their regular feed.

Thank you so much! I will be sure to get her some leafy protein tomorrow. I’ve dealt with respiratory illness and pasty butt; however, this is new. I can sleep peacefully tonight now, thanks again!

 

[azygous]

You need to grind the grains fine and supply fine grit for the chicks' gizzards to digest them.