After spending so much time with my chicks it floors me that I did not notice. Perhaps it’s a good thing? A good thing in the sense that his really tiny nostrils don’t seem to bother him at all. His growth has been amazing, he’s active and otherwise healthy at 7 weeks of age.
Compared to the below photo, you can see what a standard “healthy” nostril should look like. The nostril of the cockerel above is severely restricted.
If at first glance you don’t see it…look closer. In this YouTube video link you can even see airflow restriction by the movement of air underneath the eye area.
Very little info exists out there when it comes to anomalies such as this. By most accounts, as long as I can keep his environment healthy he should be too. Perhaps warmer weather will cause some stress but it’s truly difficult to say. At this point, I just wish to keep this guy comfortable until its time to butcher.
This is a good lesson for anyone raising a new flock from young birds. Its always a good idea to pay close attention to your birds. If I were starting a new flock I’d be looking for a new rooster for the long term.
Dirt On My Plate 