Chick not following mother hen

[verndoes]

A week ago my 2 broody silkies hatched 4 eggs. The last egg hatched is about 2 days younger than the other 3. He seems a bit slower, I had to correct splayed leg, but all is good now. The hens did a good job caring for all 4. But now (about 1 week old) the hens are starting to peck a little aggressively at the chick. He is walking really well, but doesn't listen to the hens directing him on what to do/act. He's just wants to sit under them or under the brooder. He does eat and drink, but maybe not enough. He also just stares at the wall a lot. The hens I think are getting frustrated that he is not as active as the others. I believe he is a bantam easter egger. The other 3 chicks should be bantam cochins. Do I separate him? Or keep him with the hens. One hen is more aggressive towards him now, while the other hen will allow him to sit under her.

 

[Perris]

I suspect the broody that pecks him has decided he is a liability to the health of the brood and wants him gone. The other one is still willing to help him. In my experience (limited, but I've been where you are) his prospects are not good. I would follow your broodies' lead; if the second one rejects him too, I believe nature will take its course, sooner if you don't intervene, later if you do.
BTW, welcome to BYC Shame about the circumstances, but it is the way most of us find the site: when we are trying to deal with a problem.

 

[verndoes]

I suspect the broody that pecks him has decided he is a liability to the health of the brood and wants him gone. The other one is still willing to help him. In my experience (limited, but I've been where you are) his prospects are not good. I would follow your broodies' lead; if the second one rejects him too, I believe nature will take its course, sooner if you don't intervene, later if you do.
BTW, welcome to BYC Shame about the circumstances, but it is the way most of us find the site: when we are trying to deal with a problem.

Awe it's so sad. I hope he makes it. He's the only bantam olive easter egger in the bunch. Funny last night I put him back with the mother hens but put him underneath the one that still accepts him. This morning he was under the other one, of course she didn't know ;-). So I separated him but next to their box so he can eat all day without disturbance. When I came back few minutes later the hen that has no problem with him, was sitting next to the same barrier as him, calling for him. So I ended up placing her with him. She still seems to be showing him the ropes. I hope it continues and he grows. Do you know if bantam easter Eggers feathers grow in slower than cochin?

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

If you and the hen that likes him are both willing to give him a chance, I would just keep the 2 of then separated from the other hen and the rest of the chicks.

 

[Perris]

Do you know if bantam easter Eggers feathers grow in slower than cochin?

sorry no - double no in fact, never having had bantams or cochins
I'll keep my fingers crossed for the little chap, because I've had some apparent no hopers pull it back

 

[verndoes]

So far today the more willing hen (who by the way is the alpha) is still caring for him. I've separated the one chick and her. But I also added the 3rd youngest chick. So each hen has their own space and 2 chicks. So far the weakest chick is still eating, drinking, etc. The other chicks are not bothering him, yet either. Really hope it all works out. Thank you everyone and finding this group very beneficial already

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Please keep us updated on how he does!

 

[Perris]

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