Why aren’t my chickens growing.

[CannedMonster]

I’ve had two chicks like that. There was something internal where the nutrition just wasn’t getting absorbed.
one died at 4 weeks and one at 2 weeks. They had to be put down because it was clear they were starving to death regardless of how much they ate.

 

[RacingSilkie]

So why can I do to get it more nutrients I am already on 20 % medicated feed

 

[LateBirdFarms]

So why can I do to get it more nutrients I am already on 20 % medicated feed

Medium sized meal worms are great, scrambled and crumbled boiled eggs are really good boosters, nutridrench is good too, but I can never get my hands on any so I used infant poly-sol vitamins for mine.

 

[RacingSilkie]

It has been this way for almost a month should I just put it down also for the first couple of days I did give all the chicks crumbled eggs

 

[AngBantamLuv]

I'm totally new at this, but what about adding sav-a-chick probiotics and vitamins? If it's a gut issue, maybe it could help?? You just add the little packets to the water for 3 days.

 

[bluemtnwmn]

If it's eating and drinking fine, is it pooping? Pasty butt/constipation (I've dealt with both) can also slow growth. One of my guys was tiny compared to siblings due to these issues. It's just now catching up at 3.5 weeks. I wouldn't consider putting it down unless it seems distressed but that's just me. I thought about it with my little guy when it was struggling at one point. Now i'm glad I hung in there!

 

[LateBirdFarms]

I suppose it depends on how much effort you're willing to put into the one chick. If you fed them all at the same time, the little one might not be able to get it's fair share, feeding it separately might help a good deal to ensure it's getting the food it needs. If it's just smaller and not obviously suffering, I wouldn't cull, but I'm soft hearted. The average poultry farmer might. I don't know anything about how it might do as an adult if its missing out on key nutrition now, especially since it's a larger breed, but you're really the only person who can judge if it's time to throw in the towel or not.

 

[nszrmch]

Wow!!! That's crazy! I think if she's acting normal and energetic, just keep at it with more protein. Would be a shame to put down a chick that wants to live!! Give it some time and keep us posted!! Best of luck

 

[RacingSilkie]

It hasn’t had much energy most of the time is just laying down, no pasty butt and they constantly have food and water 24/7 so it always has access. I thought it was going to die a few weeks ago but it is just still hanging in there, I don’t know how to deal with this, I’ve had many many chickens before and have never seen this.

 

[LateBirdFarms]

You did say it was acting normal, which was why I gave you a few pointers and encouragement, but if it's been weak and not active, which is not normal...
Personality I'd still maybe try to feed it seperate for a few days to see if it perks up, and then make your choice from there. It its obviously suffering and starving to death slowly, the kindest thing you can do is cull, but if its trying... Well, theres no other cure I know of for FtT chicks other than extra TLC

Good luck with your chick!