Or, let me know if there's something I should be doing differently. I know I'm a little anxious because I lost a three-day RIR last weekend and this is my first go with chicks. The situation... I got a Buff Orpington (@ two day old) and a Dominique and a Welsummer (both four days old). The Dom was immediately the most rambunctious of the group. She'd run up to the side of the brooder when me or my dog would show up, and even fly up at the dog. A week later, I got an EE (@ two days old) and a RIR (one day old). Two days later the RIR died. Now, the Dominique is growing decidedly slower than the rest of the bunch. Even the EE I got a week later. She still eats and drinks, but when I let them run around outside the brooding pen, she is suddenly the loner. I've also noticed that she seems to "yawn," which is kinda like chirping without sound, but also seems to chirp regularly. She'll come to the side of the brooder occasionally, but is definitely less interested, an no longer flies up at the side of the pen. Any ideas? Am I being a worry-wort?
As long as she is growing, eating and drinking, I wouldn't worry too much. Chickens, like kids, go through different stages where they are friendly, scared, shy, etc. She may just be going through a phase. If she stops eating or develops other symptoms such as diarrhea, listlessness, puffed up feathers...then, you might have something to worry about. Keep us updated and we can help you as you need it....
