Runt/fuzless baby chick

[Canadian-chick-mama]

Hi everyone,

This is my first time having a runt, she came picked on and is missing lots of fuzz and feathers. So much red skin is showing that she couldn’t get a break so I’ve brought her inside for a chance to get a break and grow in peace.

she has heat,water, and food.. seems to be pooping good but is also very sleepy. she loves to perch on my shoulder and nap on my chest when I’m lying down.

I was worried about her yesterday, I’m not sure what is normal chick behaviour.

how sleepy is too sleepy?

what are some worrisome behaviour indicators?

I think I’ll try to make some homemade blue Kote with iodine and blue food colouring if she doesn’t grow enough feathers in the next week so I can get her back with her mates. Any tips for the re-introduction?
Thx!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Have you seen it getting pecked on? How big is your brooder, and how warm is it? It could also be growing out of it feathers.

 

[tizabel_]

As long as she is eating and drinking well you shouldn’t be worried about her sleeping too much. The sleepiness could also be from stress because of the new environment. Hope that helps a bit!

 

[Canadian-chick-mama]

Have you seen it getting pecked on? How big is your brooder, and how warm is it? It could also be growing out of it feathers.

she came with a bare back and I have seen her get pecked.Her feathers are starting to come in on the wings but not on the back yet. She’s alone in a big storage tub now probably 2.5x2x2 ft ish? It’s probably 25C she’s probably 5 weeks now.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Spraying any exposed skin with bluekote should help deter more pecking. At 5 weeks your chicks are old enough to go outside on warmer days to help alleviate boredom, which is often the cause of pecking. Hopefully it improves soon.