Missing a growth hormone?

[Gringa]

Okay, these two chicks are from the same brood. Hatched August 1st to one of my experienced hens, so 5 weeks old now. I know that some chicks are smaller and some are bigger depending on their breed but this little chick is missing some kind of growth hormone I think. Any comments?

 

[Aapomp831]

Where did the eggs come from?

 

[Gringa]

Where did the eggs come from?

From my medley of hens.

 

[Aapomp831]

Ok, then you just have different sized hens? Different breeds can be much larger than others; do you happen to have any bantams? Could it possibly be from a bantam egg?
If they are not from the same exact mother, I wouldn’t worry at all. Genetics are weird.

 

[Gringa]

Ok, then you just have different sized hens? Different breeds can be much larger than others; do you happen to have any bantams? Could it possibly be from a bantam egg?
If they are not from the same exact mother, I wouldn’t worry at all. Genetics are weird.

I do have different sized hens but no bantams. Even so, all of my chicks usually grow at the same rate and I finally notice a difference around the fourth month. I've also had chicks with delayed-feathering but no issues with size. He is just so small for five weeks.

 

[Aapomp831]

I do have different sized hens but no bantams. Even so, all of my chicks usually grow at the same rate and I finally notice a difference around the fourth month. I've also had chicks with delayed-feathering but no issues with size. He is just so small for five weeks.

Yea, he really is. Idk, maybe there is such thing as dwarfism in chickens?? I’ll need to research that

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I don’t have answers.
What’s on their feet?

 

[Gringa]

I don’t have answers.
What’s on their feet?

They were eating. It's cornmeal and oatmeal mixed with a little water so it becomes pasty and sticks to their feet when they walk on it.

 

[Aapomp831]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ive-chick-among-3-thriving-ones.875604/page-3

 

[Gringa]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ive-chick-among-3-thriving-ones.875604/page-3

Interesting read, genetics seems like the likely culprit.