We bought six Red Star hybrids at eighteen weeks of age as reliable egg producers. All six chickens were very different from each other in size and color. I suspect all six came from different broods and may be a couple of weeks different in age. After having them for two weeks separated from our other chickens, they have all begun to fill out nicely and most have developed a standard red color. Two have started laying eggs. One of the six has seemed puny and off breed from the first day. She was considerably smaller but has gained weight. Her color was a very light orange, but has begun developing a slightly darker color. Her comb is more like the Wyandotte rose comb instead of the full, red comb of the other Red Stars. She is very lethargic and can often be found lying in a corner of the coop with her head under her wings. If she is standing, she usually has her eyes closed and her beak is open. Her beak is double the normal length of the other Red Stars. She will sometimes be standing and suddenly emit a single loud cluck or chirp as if responding to a sudden pain. We haven't been able to see any single symptom of a problem like worms in her poop or mites on her feathers. We have never observed any of the other chickens paying any attention to her at all much less harming her in any way, We will probably separate her from the other chickens to a single pet carrier and see if she improves alone. I have no idea what her problem is and no idea what to do for her. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
She looks so miserable most days, I've thought of putting her out of her misery; but would prefer to help her have a decent chicken life.
Thanks
Ted
She looks so miserable most days, I've thought of putting her out of her misery; but would prefer to help her have a decent chicken life.
Thanks
Ted
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