can a chick live alone

[squiddytag]

Hi! I was caring for 2 weak chicks. One just died. They were together for 2 weeks since hatching. They were never doing too good so I set up an "ICU" for them. I am wondering if the one left can survive on its own since it wouldn't be able to defend itself with the more robust chicks.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Yes he/she can but will be very lonely. Put a mirror in with the little one, and you can even put a feather duster attached to one wall upright for him to get under to have a mama.

When it gets close to the time to put him in with other chickens, I recommend putting one of your nicest smallest chickens in with him for a couple of weeks so he will have a Friend and won't be the only "new" one introduced to the flock.

How old are your others?

 

[happyhens1972]

I have a weak chick that needed lots of TLC and her incy mate died. She was obviously lonely...lots of peeping despite food, water and warmth. I was worried that if I put her in with the rest of the hatch, she would be picked on as she is smaller and slower than they are but I gave it a try under very close supervision and she has been fine. She is clearly much happier in with her friends, is much more interested in her food and stands up ok in the line for the chick feeder. I would say that being with them has given her a greater zest for life than she had either with her one weakling friend in the incy or on her own. I have popped her out for some extra feeding....a bit of a boost with some scrambled egg and a couple of mealworms....but put her straight back in after.

If you are really concerned, you could try putting just one or two of the more robust chicks in with her....I am assuming they are from the same hatch, just healthier?

 

[squiddytag]

Hi! Thanks for the advice. The others are about the same age but came out of their eggs fighting! They are large and crazy. They do pick on her or I am just too sensitive about the picking given her weak condition. I'm not home all the time to supervise or I could monitor the situation. I'm thinking of finding a younger hatchling from someone for a companion. I am pretty sure the survivor doesn't have a great chance of making it but I'm giving it my all. She's got boost going, but I will try the eggs and mealworms! Thanks again!

 

[happyhens1972]

Oh...I've also been giving Nutridrops....two drops, once per day. I think in the States, they are called NutriDrench.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Hi! Thanks for the advice. The others are about the same age but came out of their eggs fighting! They are large and crazy. They do pick on her or I am just too sensitive about the picking given her weak condition. I'm not home all the time to supervise or I could monitor the situation. I'm thinking of finding a younger hatchling from someone for a companion. I am pretty sure the survivor doesn't have a great chance of making it but I'm giving it my all. She's got boost going, but I will try the eggs and mealworms! Thanks again!

If she is very weak and they are picking on her then that is not OK.

Chicks should not be attacking each other other than a little pick here or there- not a sustained attack. If she is near death I would keep her separated. If she is active and looks fine then I would put her back in as soon as possible but do it when you can watch for a couple of hours so you can rescue her if needed.