Tiny brahma?

[Kelly Chambers]

Hi all, I have 4 brahma hens sabout 3 mo ths old, 1 is still very tiny any ideas?

 

[nuthatched]

Failure to thrive or a type of dwarfism. It's not in pain but it likely won't live to adulthood. I'm sorry.

 

[ValarieF]

Hi all, I have 4 brahma hens sabout 3 mo ths old, 1 is still very tiny any ideas?

Some chickens are just small. I had a small chicken and she is bigger and doing fine not as big as the others but close enough. Doesn't mean she's gonna die.

 

[SmiYa0126]

@Overo Mare any insight?

 

[ValarieF]

Dwarfism​

While uncommon, dwarfism in chickens does exist. Three types of dwarfism have been identified in chickens:

• Thyrogenous dwarfism
• Autosomal dwarfism
• Sex-linked dwarfism

All three are caused by a mutated or recessive gene. Thyrogenous dwarfism, caused by the (td) gene, results in stunted birds that do not reach sexual maturity.

Autosomal dwarfism, due to the (Adw) gene, yields growth-delayed birds approximately 30 perecnt smaller than their counterparts.

Sex-linked dwarfism, connected to the recessive (dw) gene on the Z sex chromosome, manifests every now and then in purebred flocks and results in miniature, proportionate versions of normal birds. These tiny chickens breed and lay just like large fowl, albeit on a smaller scale.

Since TJ’s egg was perfectly normal in size and shape, and since his body is proportional and not stunted, my conclusion is that his size is due to sex-linked dwarfism and the (dw) gene, especially given that he comes from a long line of purebred Orpingtons.

We have nothing to worry about, health wise. He might be tiny, but he’s as active and voracious as his siblings and definitely here for the long run.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

The tiny Brahma’s face is pale and shrunken, she looks ill. And illness can definitely cause stunted growth.

 

[nuthatched]

Some chickens are just small. I had a small chicken and she is bigger and doing fine not as big as the others but close enough. Doesn't mean she's gonna die.

Just chill, You're getting worked up for no reason. I said it will likely not make it to adulthood, meaning it can live a full life but the odds aren't in its favor. Most failure to thrive birds or dwarfism birds do not make to adulthood for organ failure. Just making sure op is prepared. Can you cite your source for the info?

 

[Painted Calls]

I too would guess FTT. Definitely something going on.

How is her appetite? Did she feather out at the same rate as everyone else?

 

[Painted Calls]

She sure is cute

 

[Kelly Chambers]

Failure to thrive or a type of dwarfism. It's not in pain but it likely won't live to adulthood. I'm sorry.

Thankyou for reply. She is such a sweet wee thing is there anything I can do to help her? Should I bring her in with us away from other hens?