is there a virus that slows growth?

[luvchikies]

When I had my 1st chicks they grew like a normal chicks. But last year when I got some BR and I gave half to my friend then when they turned 10 weeks old I went to his house and his chicks were almost the size of a normal chicken while mine where not even half of a normal chicken!!! they could still fit in a whole that was about 2 1/2 inches long and 2 inches wide!!!! while my friends chickens their head could only fit through there!!!! since that day I've been raising chicks and they are growing slowly! today my friends BR are laying and mine are berly HALF size of a normal chicken and they're not laying!!! is there a virus that slows down the growing cycle??? please help me!! I want to raise chicks but everytime they don't grow!!!

 

[luvchikies]

Ok this is what I've come up with.

My first chicks were purchased from my local feed store and they grew as normal chicks.

Next I bought chicks from Cackle hatchery and thats were I gave my friend some BR's

Next I bought chicks from Ideal Hatchery and they are growing slow too!!!

So when I buy chicks from a HATCHERY they grow slow! but when i buy from the feedstore they grow normal!! whats going on here? Ok next week im buying some chicks from my local feedstore and see what happens.

**UPDATE*

but I bought the BR's from a hatchery! and my friends BR grew well but mine grew slowly! so the hatchery has nothing to do with this. Somethings is happening in my house but what would it be?

 

[spook]

You know, I cannot say anything about a virus, but perhaps worming them- I do not have anything for info there, but ask your vet if he/she will do a fecal test for you. Also, are you keeping them in a box still? If there are nice days put them out to enjoy the soil, especially the grass if you have any. If your like me, keep them in! LOL.
Do you still have them on starter feed? Grower feed might be a good idea to get them extra calories IF they need them. Also, vitamins, usually giving them steamed veggies are great for them, but keep in mind, they need grit if you are giving them food that needs breaking down in the gizzard.

Some birds and according to their parents will be part of the growth issue. I'd lean towards housing as poultry can have their size compromised by living quarters- although not always.

 

[luvchikies]

spook, well they're outside since they're about 11 weeks old or so. But im just worried whats wrong!!! I live in a city and I don't think we have a chicken vet here

that means that I will never find whats wrong

 

[spook]

If they are lively and happy, there is nothing wrong with them.
The best way to see if birds are healthy is how they eat, interact and play. If they are doing that, then I'd suggest you smile, don't compare- even twin babies will grow at different rates, being given the same nuture nature situation.

PS- my Ameracauna/mix grew another size the 2nd year, breathe, breathe...your fine!

 

[luvchikies]

Quote:
im trying to breath! lol well im just worried why are they so small????????? and yes they're acting like a chicken. They don't sneeze I don't see anything as if they were sick. They look healthy to me but its just the size! and they are not even bantams!

 

[farrier!]

The worming suggestion is a good one.

I would go over to your friend's and ask lots of questions.

Where were the chick's and for how long? Was the light on 24 hours a day and for how long. How warm did they keep the chicks? Exactly what was fed and was it free choice? Are you feeding the same brand and type of feed at the same time?

Somewhere there is something different between the management practices.

Good luck being a detective! I am sure when you find out even the little differences the avid chick raisers here will be able to tell you if that is the cause of the difference in growth rates.

 

[spook]

At some point today, someone who knows more then me will help your mind and put it to ease...that did not sound right! lol.
Some birds take a long while to get up to size, what breed are they? Some breeds take longer to mature- for example RIR or a Cochin, the RIR is going to pass the Cochins growth due to breeding, genetics, weather and what the feed is. 11 weeks is just over 2 months, that is not very old- not only that, did your chicks have Coccidiosis, that will stunt their growth, but one of mine was 1/2 the size of its litter mates, and then she passed them in size.
Don't judge a book by its cover and keep breathing or it will stunt your growth!