Small barred rock chick

[jwhite7]

I have about a month old barred rock chick who seems to be half the size of her siblings and isn't growing many feathers. She has a hard place on her abdomen. Does anyone know what is wrong?

 

[Eggcessive]

Are you describing her breastbone or keel? That can become prominent when a chicken is not gaining weight. Make sure that she is eating and drinking normally, and perhaps take her aside daily to feed her some higher protein treats such as some egg or tuna each day. What do her poops look like? Is she alert and active? In chicks, coccidiosis can be a problem that can cause stunted growth. Symptoms are runny droppings with mucus or blood, hunched posture or puffing up, not eating, and lethargy or sleepiness. Corid is a good treatment, in the water for 5 days.

 

[jwhite7]

This is not her breast bone but more on her abdomen. She is active and does not active any different than normal.

 

[Eggcessive]

It wouldn't hurt her to get a round of Corid just in case she has an infection of coccidiosis. Corid is not an antibiotic, and perfectly safe for her and the others. Coccidiosis can cause stunted growth, and the intestines can become sick and swollen, where nutrients are not absorbed. You could instead get her droppings checked by a vet for cocci and worms.