We have five girls and a boy, about 7 weeks old now, and I am worried about one of them. They just moved into their new home on Sunday and everything seems fine. One of them did not look so good last night. I have been reading about the molting and can see their feathers start to go out and come in, but this one stays off to the side. She doesn't eat with the others and when she does, it is not very much. She is not with the others when they are clucking away in the yard, but by herself. She looks like she is fluffed up and just not happy. Should I worry?
A fluffed up bird is usually a sign of a problem. Birds sometimes prey on the weak, and by fluffing up a chicken try to make itself look bigger. Your chick may also be at the bottom of the pecking order and the others are keeping it away from food and water. To be safe, bring the chick inside and give it some vitamins and electrolytes in the water. Offer it a little yogert with its feed mixed in. See if it will eat any mashed up boiled egg. Watch the poop for any blood or unusual droppings. I hope it is OK.
