What to look for in chicks?

[ottbmom]

My husband and I are brand new to chickens, and we recently picked up six pullets from tsc. This store seemed to not sell their chicks quickly, so we seem to have a couple different ages, as a few are all fuzz and a few have tail feathers.

One of the chicks sleeps more than the others, so I worry a little about her. Even when the other chicks are being little maniacs, she's just snoozing away. When she does wake, she's bright eyed, and she eats and drinks fine, so no other red flags that I've noticed.

Could this just be a personality quirk? What are the possible diseases and what should I keep an eye out for?

If it's important, they're on a medicated feed, and she is one of the ones with tail feathers.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Eggcessive]

She may just be a little slow or weak. As long as she is eating/drinking she will probably be fine. I would watch out for coccidiosis until they are around 11 weeks old (and they can even get some strains older that that) even though they are on medicated feed. When they get on soil, it's good to watch for. It is the most common chick disease, very quick to kill, but easy to treat with Corid (amprollium.) It's good to have a packet of it around for emergencies. Here is a link to read: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html

 

[ottbmom]

Great, thank you! I will definitely keep an eye on her!