Worried about 3 week old runt -- Update

[eastvanchicken]

Ok. Maybe I'm still just worrying but the runt of four 3 1/2 week old ISA browns is less than 1/2 the size of the others and since yesterday she seems to be acting a little funny. It's hard to tell but she seems to be sleepy more, eating less (or at least being seen to eat less) and chirping more. When I take them all out to be handled she seems fine and wil eat oatmeal vigourously from my hand but something seems amiss. It is cooler in the studio where the brooder is but the heat lamp is on in one corner.

Any ideas of what this might be?

 

[Judy]

I'm afraid you probably didn't get replies because it's not possible to be sure. Some just don't do well, or just die for no apparent reason. The smaller size probably indicates it has other problems as well. Sorry. It might make it, or not; my runt last year did grow up and do fine, just stayed a little smaller than the rest.

 

[firedove]

make sure it is drinking plenty. If other chicks are keeping it away from food and/or water that could be a big part of the problem. Separate it out every few hours and offer it chick starter and water on it's own to make sure it is getting some without competition. Sometimes the little ones need extra help.

 

[eastvanchicken]

Thanks for the replies. The other chicks do not at all seem to be preventing her from eating but she does seem very hungry for the oatmeal offered as a treat. Could she just be off her food. What other than the chick starter can I feed her?

 

[GaDawg]

Scrambled eggs are good protein for them. I would also give it some poly-vi-sol (without iron) drops for a couple of days. 2-3 drops 2X a day. It may just need a vitamin boost. It worked for me.

 

[Chickenmaven]

She might just be slower/smaller for awhile. I had two reddish-buff chicks that I got as part of an assortment. Could not figure out what they were. It was pretty clear that one was a cochin. The other one? I was afraid they had sent me one bantam. When they were six weeks, they still did not resemble one another & the size difference was pronounced. I went on vacation for 10 days, got home & they were TWINS! Yowzah! Two nearly identical buff cochins.
That is my hopeful story for all who fear that their runt might not thrive.

 

[chickenguysmom]

Awwww! Give that little feller a hug from us in Alabama! Let him know we are rooting for him.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Boiled egg yolk or scrambled eggs (some prefer one some the other) extra attention & vitamins. My runt is now the biggest of the roosters.

 

[wings]

Don't worry about it. There's always a runt of the litter.

 

[eastvanchicken]

Thanks for the help and apologies for the tardy reply as I have been out with the flu (no not that one) so dragging my butt in to care for the chicks was a priority.

Could it be simple as temperature (even at this age)? I warmed up the room and she picked up.

I also have been hand feeding but she is not very interested in egg and really is only interested (very, very) in oatmeal. I have a feeling she is eating OK and just begging for treats but will keep an eye on her.

Again, thanks for all the help.