Advice please! When should I bring in my lone chick?

[Scoop]

So I had one little Dominique hen hatch out of a dozen eggs that I let broodies sit on. So I'm in a pickle. She was born early evening Saturday, say around 5:00. I think I've read that they live off the yolk for 72 hours. Sunday morning she looked a little wobbly but as the day went on she got stronger. This morning she is running around and chirping, the eyes are open and bright. She seems spunky. I've tried to feed and give her water to no avail. So when should I bring her in? She is toasty warm under her mom. I just haven't gotten her to eat or drink yet. And what happens when I bring her out again. Will mom protect her? I really don't want to bring her in, too, because my horrible asthma is kicking up (again) and I need to be able to breathe. What do you all think?

 

[easttxchick]

I would say as long as mom is taking care of her and she is safe and eating and drinking, I'd leave her(may just go give her beak a little dunk to show her how to drink).
Hope your new baby does well!

 

[Scoop]

I have dunked the beak. Maybe she just doesn't need it yet?

 

[easttxchick]

Most likely just doesn't need it yet. I would just keep an eye out and make sure she begins to drink/eat after her yolk sac has absorbed.

 

[Scoop]

And that should be about 72 hours?

 

[easttxchick]

That's correct. After that time, you may need to mix a little yogurt with her chick start or mash up a boiled egg to entice her to eat if she is a bit resistant.

 

[Scoop]

Okay, so that means I shouldn't go into panick mode til around 5:00 on Tuesday. I sure would hate to lose this precious little girl. Too bad she's alone. No other pips or anything this morning. Thanks for your help!

 

[easttxchick]

As long as the food is readily available, she will probably start to eat on her own(maybe before 72 hours)-until then I wouldn't worry.
If she is running around and seems strong, she should be fine until she figures out the food thing.
Here's hoping you get some more new babies to keep her company!

You're very welcome.

By the way, panic mode is always my first response! I tend to panic first and be reasonable later.

 

[rancher hicks]

Whose her mother? I have a dominique broody and she is a very good mom, put the food and water where the chick can reach it. When I gave mom some scratch she would put it on the ground and talk to her babies. It was awsome to watch her call to her babies and show them how to peck at the ground and drink. Mom calls to them if there is trouble and she tends to them real well. Mine got very aggressive and wouldn't let me near them but that was ok. This is one broody I'm definitely keeping as long as I can. I'm sorry I dont' have a Dominique roo to breed her. Mom will take the feed and drop it for them and peck at it and say here come and try this. At least mine did. Watch and see how mom is and don't disturb her. If she's showing attention to the chick leave her, she knows what to do.

 

[Scoop]

Hmmmm. Her serogate mom is a Mottled Java, a real sweetheart. Ya see tho, there is a slight problem. They are in a nesting box about 3 feet off the floor. I don't have room to keep food and water in the box. So I've been taking Blizzard out to try to get her to eat and drink. Mama watches me nervously I think. If I just bring Blizzard in what happens to the mother-chick bond? Who will protect her once I put her in with the rest of the flock. No luck feeding her tonight again.