Smaller chick

[WyoChick1]

One of my chicks (Buff Orpington 1 of 2) is smaller than the other chicks her age. The Easter eggers are huge, and older, so ignore them in the photo, but the yellow chicks are all similar sized except her. She's active and acts normal, just is smaller. I guess that can happen? Thankfully they're all good nice to each other and don't pick on her. Just wondering how common it is to have a runt chick like this.

 

[Firsttimehens1234]

One of my chicks (Buff Orpington 1 of 2) is smaller than the other chicks her age. The Easter eggers are huge, and older, so ignore them in the photo, but the yellow chicks are all similar sized except her. She's active and acts normal, just is smaller. I guess that can happen? Thankfully they're all good nice to each other and don't pick on her. Just wondering how common it is to have a runt chick like this.

If she hatched out later that the others it will make the chick a day behind. It’s usually no problem, I had one last year and she is happy and healthy and the leader of my flock, so don’t worry. Just rem To check her often for pasty butt, and make sure she is growing
As Long as it is eating and acting normal it should be fine

 

[GravityWaves]

I guess that can happen?

It can happen and some chicks just end up being a little smaller than average even while eating and drinking like normal. It shouldn't be anything to be too worried about.

 

[WyoChick1]

Thanks. Yes, she is growing, and seems healthy, just behind her sister and the other chicks her age. She's actually kind of feisty! Probably has to be, haha

 

[WyoChick1]

"Rebawka" continues to be behind than the rest, but she is indeed growing. Feathers developing, just slower. She eats and drinks and plays and snuggles. Seems totally normal, just small. Kind of nice, actually, since they do grow up so fast!

 

[neo71665]

Not uncommon at all to have a "runt".
Nothing wrong with her and she will most likely also lay smaller eggs than her sisters.

 

[Ridgeback825]

We too had one, a RIR, from our last hatch that was a tad smaller than the rest. She was in a normal sized egg but just is petite. Totally normal as well and very active.