Baby Chick Setup ideas

[phoebusartemis]

We are going to be getting a singular one week old chick. There is going to be bedding placed where the cardboard is and there will be food and water on the wood plank. Is there anything else we could add to make the chick more comfortable?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Why only 1 chick? It's going to be lonely and possibly very noisy because of it. You should have plenty of space for 2 or 3 there.

Also do you have a lid? The chick will be hopping out of there in a matter of days otherwise.

 

[phoebusartemis]

Why only 1 chick? It's going to be lonely and possibly very noisy because of it. You should have plenty of space for 2 or 3 there.

Also do you have a lid? The chick will be hopping out of there in a matter of days otherwise.

We are planning to put wire on the top so the chick can't get out. We only had one egg that ended up hatching, so that's why we only have one chick.

 

[Yardmom]

Where is the chick now? Is there a heat source? Are you leaving some spots down to the floor? Some use puppy pads for covering the floor.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Poor lonely little thing! It would be best if you can come up with a buddy from somewhere to raise with her. But lacking that, give her a mirror or two. Some fluffy or feathery material to cuddle into (but NOT stringy). For some of my smaller broods, I've made a little cave of sorts for them to hide inside; and they love it.

Put the heat source where it's 95-deg under the heat, or use a brooder heater - and place it so the chick can move under or away from the heat as needed to warm up or cool down. It will find the most comfortable spot on its own. Raise the heat lamp or the brooder heater an inch or two each week as she grows.

Cover the bottom with puppy pads or similar for now. I use cardboard covered with layers of paper towels. Make sure the flooring is NOT slippery. Dip the chick's beak into the water a few times, and sprinkle starter feed on the paper flooring. Tap your finger into the sprinkled feed; she'll come to you to investigate and learn to eat. Once you see she's eating, drinking and pooping normally, add wood chips to cover the floor.

You won't need a cover over it right now, unless it's just to keep your other pets out of the pen - but within a week or two, it will need a cover to keep her safely inside.

 

[phoebusartemis]

Where is the chick now? Is there a heat source? Are you leaving some spots down to the floor? Some use puppy pads for covering the floor.

We have a heating pad and bedding.

 

[Tonyroo]

Take the stick out and monitor the chick to know it's comfortable and eating/drinking everyday. Keep the brooder clean everyday.

By the way, raising one chick isn't really a issue. Just spend time with it to know it feels safe.

 

[rosemarythyme]

We are planning to put wire on the top so the chick can't get out. We only had one egg that ended up hatching, so that's why we only have one chick.

Got it, I thought you only purchased one.

Would be best if you had other "friends" of a similar age but if that's not feasible I'd be planning integration already, so it can join the flock earlier and learn how to chicken from them. In the meantime a mirror or small stuffed animal can help provide companionship.

 

[BastyPutt]

I agree with the rest. Call around and see if you can find another.

Potty pads are a much better option than cardboard. Although another cost, you'll find it more hygienic.

And yes, a heat source. My brooders were always designed around the heat source.

 

[Iluveggers]

Check feed stores and craigslist for a chick or two, and even Mt Healthy and Cackle will ship a minimum of 3 chicks. I sell chicks on craigslist and would love to help someone who ended up w a singleton. Baby will be much happier with a buddy. You have plenty of space for a couple.