What to do with a dwarf chick?

[Little Chicken Girl]

Wow, is that her? She looks like she is doing great!

yep, that is Elly, the crooked Crevcouer She is very friendly.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

Do you happen to know if both parents were frizzled? Frizzle to frizzle breedings result in poor growing birds that are just never quite healthy. The frizzle gene effects more than just feathers. Two copies produces a host of internal side effects that will eventually cause a premature death.

I didn't know that! The Tolbunt flock where the eggs came from contained some frizzles, but I don't know if both parents were frizzles.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

I know this isn't my decision to make, but I would give her the best quality of life that I could for as long as you can. I know I keep saying it, but she is so cute. Maybe I feel a bond with her, I am only 5' tall and weigh 100 lbs. and I am 60 years old. I started school weighing 29 lbs and wearing a size toddler 2 dress. I was 5 years old. I've had a great life and have a 14 year old daughter. She towers over me. LOL

Your experiences remind me of the saying "small but mighty!" I DO plan to let this little one enjoy her life as long as she can.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

View attachment 1111043

Omigosh, she's adorable! Thanks for sharing photos with us!

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

yep, that is Elly, the crooked Crevcouer She is very friendly.View attachment 1111711

So nice to see her doing well - she's REALLY cute too! Thanks for the hope!

 

[abraga]

I haven't had to give supplements to any of my other chickens before. I'm thinking of trying Nutri-Drench, and maybe some probiotics, in addition to the mealworms you recommended. Thoughts?

I raise tiny seramas..i always start them on nutri drench..tiny mealys and of coarse starter feed ground up. Some of the eggs/chicks are tinyer than other serama eggs..but some of the tinest chicks will grow to the same size as the larger chicks eventually. Ur little girl might b a highbred...or perhaps not enough nutrients in the yoke. I think it's possible she may catch up somewhat with time. Id definitely give her nuti drench..mayb keep her on the chick starter a bit longer...but non- medicated. In the meantime..u may have to protect her from the bigger hens to give her time to catch up a bit. She is REALLY adorable!

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

I raise tiny seramas..i always start them on nutri drench..tiny mealys and of coarse starter feed ground up. Some of the eggs/chicks are tinyer than other serama eggs..but some of the tinest chicks will grow to the same size as the larger chicks eventually. Ur little girl might b a highbred...or perhaps not enough nutrients in the yoke. I think it's possible she may catch up somewhat with time. Id definitely give her nuti drench..mayb keep her on the chick starter a bit longer...but non- medicated. In the meantime..u may have to protect her from the bigger hens to give her time to catch up a bit. She is REALLY adorable!

I saw some Seramas for the first time a few months ago - I had NO idea they were so teeny (and gorgeous!). Thanks for the thumbs up on the Nutri-Drench and mealworms, and for the encouragement. My husband suggested I put her in a birdcage and call her a parakeet, LOL. Aside from that, how will I ever get her intro'd to the flock? You're right, she's going to need protection!

 

[abraga]

I saw some Seramas for the first time a few months ago - I had NO idea they were so teeny (and gorgeous!). Thanks for the thumbs up on the Nutri-Drench and mealworms, and for the encouragement. My husband suggested I put her in a birdcage and call her a parakeet, LOL. Aside from that, how will I ever get her intro'd to the flock? You're right, she's going to need protection!

i usually put them in a cage with the hens for awhile. They will get used to seeing the newcommer and will sort of become recognized as part of the flock. However..once they r let out..there is usually some picking as they establish themselves in the pecking order. Sometimes..those smaller ones r a lot more agile than the older fatter hens. I also make sure there are places they can hide if they need safe space. I take a few wooden crates that have a few slates removed so they can run under them to hide.best time is when u let them out in the morning..the hens will be running off to forage for breakfast..a little more preoccupied. Worse time is when they are ready to come in for the night..everyone is hangin around..tired..grumpy..vieying for best roosting spots.

 

[abraga]

My last chicks...i put in a cage in the coop when they were 3wks old. I kept them in a cage for about 3wks. In the mornings I would let them out a bit supervised while I distracted the older birds with food/treats while I did chores. I think I did thst for another couple weeks until I was satisfied the youngsters could manage. A single chick is harder..would be better to keep her buddy with her and try to integrate them together.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

New thought - what if I put

i usually put them in a cage with the hens for awhile. They will get used to seeing the newcommer and will sort of become recognized as part of the flock. However..once they r let out..there is usually some picking as they establish themselves in the pecking order. Sometimes..those smaller ones r a lot more agile than the older fatter hens. I also make sure there are places they can hide if they need safe space. I take a few wooden crates that have a few slates removed so they can run under them to hide.best time is when u let them out in the morning..the hens will be running off to forage for breakfast..a little more preoccupied. Worse time is when they are ready to come in for the night..everyone is hangin around..tired..grumpy..vieying for best roosting spots.

I'm so glad you mentioned the time factor - I would have picked evening, since that's the time I usually "kidnap" anyone who needs inspection or treatment, LOL!