Reduced eating

[Bunny-bum]

Hihi, my almost seven week old chick is off his food. He is still moving round normally, cleaning himself, crop is empty, he’s not ruffled , poop looks normal. We have been taking him into the garden to spend time with the older chickens (see but can’t touch) , is there a chance he’s not eating due to stress or is it vet time?

 

[azygous]

He? Looks more like a pullet to me.

When a chicken is given access to a garden, they will find all sorts of bugs and worms and seeds to eat. This bounty naturally reduces the amount of feed they will need to eat. It's one reason people allow their chickens to free range. It's easier on the feed bill.

 

[Bunny-bum]

He? Looks more like a pullet to me.

When a chicken is given access to a garden, they will find all sorts of bugs and worms and seeds to eat. This bounty naturally reduces the amount of feed they will need to eat. It's one reason people allow their chickens to free range. It's easier on the feed bill.

That would be fine but his crop is empty. He will eat some food if I wet it, but not a lot .
Most people in here think Ludo is a too cuz he’s got a lot of black for a , Brahma? Or he might be Cochin? , not sure which s/he is breed or sex

 

[azygous]

When you are concerned about your chicken having a health issue, the most important indicator is behavior. If a chicken is behaving normally, there usually isn't cause for concern.

A sick chicken will first of all become lethargic. It appears in the eyes as a dullness, and even some redness will show up in the rims. They will look like the chicken has a bad hangover.

This may be followed by runny, watery poop and lack of appetite.

If this chick isn't eating, perhaps the feed is rancid. Use your nose. It should smell fresh and grainy. Check the chick over for parasites. Look around the vent area for crawling things.

The reason I believe you have a pullet is the pale comb. By six weeks, a cockerel has a noticeably red comb.

 

[ThatTeowonna]

My vet said: If she's pooping, she's eating.

 

[Bunny-bum]

When you are concerned about your chicken having a health issue, the most important indicator is behavior. If a chicken is behaving normally, there usually isn't cause for concern.

A sick chicken will first of all become lethargic. It appears in the eyes as a dullness, and even some redness will show up in the rims. They will look like the chicken has a bad hangover.

This may be followed by runny, watery poop and lack of appetite.

If this chick isn't eating, perhaps the feed is rancid. Use your nose. It should smell fresh and grainy. Check the chick over for parasites. Look around the vent area for crawling things.

The reason I believe you have a pullet is the pale comb. By six weeks, a cockerel has a noticeably red comb.

Ok cool, ludo seems her usual self, maybe just a fussy

 

[Bunny-bum]

Head shot , comb only just showed up

 

[azygous]

Still going with pullet. But, by spring, you will know for sure if she starts producing cream colored eggs.

 

[Bunny-bum]

Still going with pullet. But, by spring, you will know for sure if she starts producing cream colored eggs.

Really hope so !!

 

[LaFleche]

I am sorry to say, but it is a cockerel. Zooming in on the first picture you can see the pointy saddle feathers coming in on his back.

If you are worried for him not eating, just test him by serving some scrambled egg. There is hardly a chicken able to resist this treat and the additional protein will help him with the new feathers coming in.