small 12 week chicken

[kelleyfamily]

We have a small little chick that is about 12 weeks old and not growing at the same rate as the other chicks. Does seem to eat and drink but is slightly more laid back than the other chick. Also seems to be "breathing hard" or always flexing her whole body. Any Suggestions on what to do? We are new to chickens, we currently have 8 and the others seem to be doing great. This particular chicken is a Barred Rock. This has been going on for some time now--honestly has been small for most of the time we have had her. Thank you for any help or suggestions.

 

[seminolewind]

If the breathing is something new, I would give her Tylan. I would check her crop and make sure she fills it and digests it. I had a rooster once who was a peewee until about 5 months and then grew into a giant chicken.

I don't know what you mean by flexing.

 

[kelleyfamily]

I guess by flexing I mean her whole body just looks like she is breathing hard--sorry I am not very good with terms! Where do I find Tylan? This morning when I went out to the coop to check on everybody she just follows everyone else around and went out with the rest of the chickens, she did go back and sit right inside the coop but she seems to be eating and drinking just fine. I really hope that she is just a little runt and like you said maybe she will grow out of it! thank you

 

[Eggcessive]

Tylan50 is in the cattle medicine section of farm stores such as Tractor Supply and Southern States. Give 1/4 ml by mouth daily for 5 days, or as a shot in the breast muscle daily for 3 days. For larger chickens the dose is 1/2 ml. Syringes and needles are available. She could have a weak heart or not tolerate the summer heat which would cause labored breathing. Shade and cool water are most important in summer for chickens.

 

[kelleyfamily]

Thank you so much for the help!