Can I Raise One Chick?

[Maddyluvschickens]

Hello, I have 2 hens and was going to order one Buff Orpington chick. But I don't know if you can raise one baby chick by itself. I don't really want more than 3 chickens, so I need help! If I can raise one chick, then I want to know how to introduce it to the hens, and I know I can't just put it in with the hens because they will peck at the chick and might kill it, so I want to know how old the chick has to be to be with the hens. I need to know before it starts to get cold.

 

[DesertBird]

I can't give you exact estimates on age, but as soon as they're around the same size/the same size. You'll have to spend time extra with the chick, put mirrors in, stuffed animals, etc. according to what I saw on the forum before. If possible, it probably would be best to get at least 2 because they're so social. How old are your hens, and what breeds are they?

 

[Maddyluvschickens]

One is a Barred Rock and the other is a Barnevelder. They are both almost a year old now.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

I would think about getting my new chick a friend, same breed. When they are old enough, put them in a cage where they can see the older hens, but are still safe from them. We have found this cuts down on pecking order battles, although not completely removing them. Good luck

 

[Stajemahal]

Get a duck as a friend.

 

[DesertBird]

One is a Barred Rock and the other is a Barnevelder. They are both almost a year old now.

I've never had or read about Barnevelder's, but my BR's are kinda bullies and apparently that's just how their breed is. Buff Orp's are supposed to be super docile and sweet, so the poor thing would probably be bullied quite a bit on it's own. Also, it would be 2 vs 1 and your hens would most likely be bigger and stronger. Because my BR's are such bullies, I had to pull my RIR's out - they're almost 4 months and still way smaller, with tons of fighting through the fence, so I have to wait until my RIR's are bigger still. Just in case that happens with yours, do you have a separate pen your new chick(s) could go when they start getting bigger? I personally have an extremely small grow-out pen I keep my 8 in because I planned horribly, but let them free range almost all day (I put them back in near the peak of the heat so I can mist down the coop for them to stay cooler) on 2 acres and bring them in to sleep in the coop attached to the pen.

 

[barred2rock]

Maybe you have a friend that wants chickens? You could get several to grow out together then give or sell your friend(s) the ones you can't keep. Most online hatcheries have a minimum order anyway and even some feed/farm supply stores do.

 

[Maddyluvschickens]

I did observe that my Barred Rock is kinda a bully, she is above the Barnevelder in their pecking order. But I did hear that Buff Orps were heavy chickens, probably heavier than my hens, but I might be wrong. Should I think about getting a different breed? If so, what other breeds are as friendly and affectionate as Buff Orpingtons? What would you suggest?

 

[Maddyluvschickens]

Maybe you have a friend that wants chickens? You could get several to grow out together then give or sell your friend(s) the ones you can't keep. Most online hatcheries have a minimum order anyway and even some feed/farm supply stores do.

But I am too attached to my hens, they are basically family members. I wouldn't be able to sell either of them.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Take your time and decide what is best for you, your family and your hens. Good luck