Can a teenage chicken raise a baby chick?

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bizarrechickens said:
Right now the chick is following kitty around. Kitty has never pecked or done anything harmful to anyone. She is very well behaved and I take her everywhere. I will gladly supervise them at all times , but so far nothing has happened and they are acting as mother and daughter. Kitty has just pecked at some food for Guts and they have eaten it.
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It's very interesting that Kitty being so young is willing to raise Guts for you! It's wonderful! Some chickens just have a Mom instinct I think. I have a hen named Blondie who, when I pick a chicken up and it squeeks a bit, gets upset, runs to me and starts pecking my leg! She wants to mother the entire flock. I have at least 3 non-broody hens that walk around voicing the "mom cluck". Chickens are odd and wonderful creatures. I'm so happy Guts is happy now. And by the way Welcome Here! Nice to have you. :hugs
 
bizarrechickens said:
I have no idea! They seemed to mate fine enough for the first two , but he keeps mating with one silkie that is now naked due to his plucking , I believe she is infertile. And that is a good idea! I will certainly consider buying some more baby silkies ( I was already thinking about it because we have some eggs not everyone can sit on all the way without another hen to help ).
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Maybe the roo just ain't doin it right! :lau
 
I've had that happening a few times. First a pullet who completely took on the role of mother, with clucking, pecking and warming the chicks. Second, a cockerel who worked like a big brother to the smaller chicks, keeping them safe.
Both times the older one was alone, so the chicks were their only source of company.

It's a good sign Kitty's pecking on the ground for the chick! You're gonna have to provide heat for the little one of course, but it's great that they can keep each other company! :thumbsup
 
I have a pullet 16 weeksish that will still rather birds only two weeks younger under her at hight. As long as she isn't pecking the baby, she should be fine. Make sure that the water and feed bowl can get accessed by the baby though and that the baby can't drown
 

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