Do CHICKS NEED COMPANIONS?

[MareeZoCool]

I am so confused.

Been told by an older farmer that chicks won't survive if they're alone? Then the stores insist that you buy 6 or more??

I love them, so the more, the merrier!

 

[kevin2010]

if you love them keep buying more their is never such thing as too many chickens at least for everyone on byc

 

[ralleia]

They're flock animals, so they're likely going to go through life feeling more stressed without a few buddies. I wouldn't keep less than three.

 

[wekiva bird]

x2
Quote:

 

[catdaddy66]

Chickens are quite sociable and do better with a few others to pal around with. They set up a social order known as the "pecking order" so everyone knows their place and duties. Crazy, right? But yes, they like company.

 

[Jake1297]

I have a single Bard Rock cross Cochin who hatched unexpectedly. He's 3 weeks old and doing fine since he has adopted my wife and dogs as his buddies. As for having to buy 6, I wanted to get him a couple companions at TSC and they informed me I had to buy 6 because it was a state law. Maybe it is, or maybe they say that to sell more.

 

[chickenbarn-gal]

If you buy only 1 baby chick then most likely it won't survive.
(Because it's not 100% that your baby chick(s), once bought, will survive)

Chickens are flock animals and love to sleep next to each other, be with each other, & play with each other. I think the minimum chicks you should buy is about 3. I think it would be kind of sad to not have anybody else...

Good luck with your chickens!

 

[ranchhand]

Chickens are very sociable, flock oriented animals. They may not die if raised alone, but they will be happier when raised with their own kind. I had 2 hens once, and one was killed. The remaining hen was very unhappy, so I got some more grown hens to keep her company.

ALL WRONG things to do.

1. I didn't quarantine the new birds for a minimum of 30 days, which is crucial.
2. I just stuck them all in the coop together, with no introductory period, separated by wire after the quarantine. I had to treat a lot of fighting injuries until the pecking order was established.

That was 19 years ago, I know better now!

I did just recently have a chick that was alone for 2 weeks before the next hatch. He was miserable, even with his stuffed monkey for comfort. When the next batch hatched, I divided the brooder so they could see and hear each other. By day 3 or so the solo chick had hopped over to the other side. He is still the "mother hen" to that bunch!

 

[I-Have-Happy-Hens]

Quote:

yes 3 or more

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

OOO--thanks Ranchhand! I have a lone silkie chick that hatched (out of 6 eggs) and it is now 23 days old. She hates being in her box alone. I have 10 more eggs going into lockdown on wednesday. Your post tells me that a screen will be needed in the brooder box so she doesnt hurt the new babies. More silkies. I am hoping that she will take to the new babies as I can only silkie sit so many times a day. I think she thinks of herself as a human!!! And to the original post---yes, chicks need company unless you want to carry them around all the time!!!