Runt?

[pac]

I don't recall any small eggs. And these were all about the same size at one point.
But everyone seems to be growing right along except for this little hen.

Do you think she's just a late bloomer? Or is a runt always a runt?

(sorry for the blur. she likes to scurry around)

ETA: It became very apparent about a week ago.

 

[Nabiki]

I have had a couple of accidents when putting eggs into lockdown. I have noticed that eggs that get cracked while in lockdown may hatch, but every single time the chick has been stunted like this.

This could be something like that, it could be that this one is not getting as much food as the others, it might be genetic.

It is rare for the tiny ones to make it to adulthood.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Keep an eye on her. I've had a rare one like that through the years. Sometimes they're just small (and can be the feistiest in the flock!). Sometimes it's just a 'failure to thrive' problem that is likely genetic and nothing you can do. As long as she seems happy and healthy, just enjoy her petite size!

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

It is rare for the tiny ones to make it to adulthood.

I've noticed this also, but I certainly hope this one surprises us!

 

[pac]

Thanks for the replies.

The fact that she's a hen is a plus in her favor. So I guess I'll see what kind of eggs she lays (if she makes it that far).
But she will not be put in with any roosters come the end of the year. Again, if she makes it into adulthood.

But she sure is a busy girl. It's like she knew I was trying to take her pic and running from group to group, pushing her way through.

I was wondering is somehow a regular quail egg got mixed in with my Jumbos, but like was said, genetics. Maybe the eggs I received were not pure, or bred from the best representatives of the breed at one point.

She seems healthy enough.

 

[Susan Skylark]

I wouldn’t think there would be that much of a size difference between regular and jumbo at that age (35% larger?). Usually my half pints have something wrong (wry neck, other birth defects) and most either die or get culled by 6 weeks (quality of life for them and I don’t want any breeding birds with known possible genetic issues). I do have a normal size hen (Humphrey!) that was a backwards shipped egg that hatched with a very slight wry neck and a bad eye which I blame on being backwards. It was half size for two months and we kept it as a joke but it started laying and does fine and I can’t tell which bird it is unless I catch it, so who knows!

 

[pac]

Well, my runt was no different than the rest.

I was cleaning the hutches, fresh pine shavings in the enclosed area, emptying dropping trays, And she was scurrying around like usual.

Eventually I had everyone in the open side and had blocked off the doorway so I could change out the shavings in her pen.
As soon as I was done and removed the barricade she came right over.
Next time I look she is laying on her side in the open area. Can't stand up. Just sort of moving her legs half-heartedly. Then I look again and she is standing, but wobbling and looking like her equilibrium is off.

So I culled her. One month old.
Weird.

 

[Nabiki]

Well, my runt was no different than the rest.

I was cleaning the hutches, fresh pine shavings in the enclosed area, emptying dropping trays, And she was scurrying around like usual.

Eventually I had everyone in the open side and had blocked off the doorway so I could change out the shavings in her pen.
As soon as I was done and removed the barricade she came right over.
Next time I look she is laying on her side in the open area. Can't stand up. Just sort of moving her legs half-heartedly. Then I look again and she is standing, but wobbling and looking like her equilibrium is off.

So I culled her. One month old.
Weird.

That's usually how they end in my experience. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[pac]

Thanks.
She was such a busy body, but always a little disheveled looking. no one seemed to bother her anyway.