Runt

[claudicles]

I have seen this mentioned but now that I need to know about it I can't find the threads! Sorry.

I have 4 chicks almost two weeks old. Two are Australorps, one RIR and one cross breed. One of them is much smaller than the others. I have had them a week and this one cheaped like crazy for a few hours when I got it until I worked out it didn't take to the rodent waterer the way the others did. After a drink it settled. I'm not sure which one because the RIR and the cross breed looked pretty similar when I got them. It is eating and drinking fine and no sign of pasty butt but it isn't growing or feathering like the others. My SIL got 4 cross breeds at the same time and hers are also growing at different rates. Is it normal for chicks to be different sizes?

 

[JustAChickenLittle&More]

It's normal. Not all of the do it, but theres nothing wrong with it. So don't worry! Usually in my opinion, the smaller one s tend to be pullets anyway. So thats good! Unless you want more Roo's later on of course.

 

[miraclz5]

One of our cochin chicks got pasty butt pretty good (chicks were from a private breeder but spent 2 1/2 hours in a car on the drive home), we were watching it like a hawk and not sure it was going to make it...totally fine now, but definitely the smallest in the bunch! All our chicks are straight run, so it will be interesting to see if it is a pullet or a rooster, based on the size thing. They are all about 2 1/2 weeks old and I have my suspicions on who is a roo and who is a hen....and I am pretty sure my largest is a hen....we shall see??? One of the joys of straight run....the guessing game....LOL Good luck with your chick!!!

 

[claudicles]

Cool. I was hoping it was normal. We'll still keep an eye on them of course but not worry so much.

 

[Theapplechicks]

we got our new babies from the TS this past weekend and one of them is a teeny tiny little thing! I couldn't leave her there! She seams quite healthy other than being so small. My daughter named her Jelly Bean. Funny though, she's the smallest but sometimes can peep the loudest!

 

[claudicles]

My runt is my favourite I have to admit. She certainly has quite a voice at times but she is the easiest to handle. I thought I was pretty philosophical about losing chicks having gotten them so young but the littlest one, that is the most vulnerable one, is the one I'd be crushed to lose.