Little Runt Chick :(

[Eliz]

I have two Orpingtons that are 5 weeks old. Both were the same size when I got them as day olds, both are feathering in at the same rate.

Over the past 5 weeks "Onyx" has become twice the size of "Baby". I have noticed that Onxy will jump up to roost, chairs, ect., but Baby can't or won't. Baby will rather sleep on the ground(Of course I don't let them!) than jump even 3 inchs in the air to get on the ramp to the brooder. I have also noticed that Onyx has been pecking at Baby a little bit.

Could I have gotten a bantam?

If not, should I do something to help it grow some more?

Any help would be great.

 

[blessedchickenmama7]

Eliz,

I don't have any answers as I recently lost a chick after the exact same symptoms as you describe. Nothing we did helped. But that doesn't mean that will be the case for you. I am sure some folks here will be more help than me. Just know I am thinking about you. I know it hurts your heart to see her maybe feeling badly.

Sonia

 

[Eliz]

It eats and drinks really good, but it's just not growing like to other one is

And won't jump?

 

[blessedchickenmama7]

Some of the things folks told me to try:

Eggs in food (cook them first)

Vitamins in water

Antibiotics

Dewormer

Isolate the chick if they are being picked at/on, and also because they could possibly have something contagious.

I was also told to check the crop to see if was hard (mine was not) which would indicate a problem. Also, there was no problem with her vent.

Also, gross question, but does her poop look normal?

Sonia