HELP? Hubby bought a chick but I'm clueless on what to do....

[MommaDanielleW]

This is our first year raising chickens. The coop is almost finished. I started with 2 red pullets and 2 runner ducks. All 4 are roughly 8 weeks old now if I recall correctly.

My husband hasn't been on the bandwagon with the whole "farm" idea but he's getting attached to the older birds. Today he brought home a surprise. A chick. I think, from online photos it's about 3 days old or a week. I'll figure out how to post a picture on here for ya'll. But, I'm terrified it's gonna die.

We have no heat lamp. I saw on several forms about using rice in a sock to generate heat or a heating pad. I've not used the pad because I saw that can hurt it's feet. My son already named this critter too so I'm just hoping it lasts through the next week and doesn't die...I'm so sorry I probably sound ignorant but I'm just clueless with the baby on what to do. I did have chick starter given so that's a plus.

PS It's currently in the bathtub, in a plastic container with rice socks well ventilated. Heat is on too. I figured it's a small enough room hopefully it will stay warm throughout the night although hubby will be uncomfy. (Serves the buggar right in my opinion) as it's 55 degrees right now outside.

 

[zaapoole]

Personally I would try and keep it warm with food and water and as soon as possible try to get a heat lamp I think that they are quite easy to find from any farm shops or pet stores a 250 watt infrared one is ideal and I just bought a bulb off eBay and screwed it into my desk lamp that you can angle.
You could wrap towels around the plastic contain to get more heat. Also you can tell whether the chick is too hot or not by its behaviour... If it's panting a bit then it's lrobBly too hot
The chick needs fresh water and food and depending how old you might need to just dip its beak in the water and food so it can learn how to eat and drink. If it's very young then it will probably sleep a lot so don't worry if it looks a bit dead it's probably just sleeping....
Good luck tell us how it goes and my best advice would be to keep going with the heat and try to get a heat lamp as soon as possible.

Sorry I couldn't be too much of a help but I do hope it goes well - I know how it is to have an animal suddenly sprung upon you as a 'suprise', my dad brought home two rabbits as a surprise in September without telling anyone when we had no clue how to look after them!

 

[zaapoole]

I have just read another post and as it is a single chick I would add some rolled up socks or soft toys so the chick can cuddle up with them at night so that means that he/she won't get too cold hopefully and won't get lonely

 

[Pork Pie]

Personally, i would consider getting another couple of chicks for company and warmth. Chicks raised alone do not flourish - they need flock-mates of the same age to be happy - they are social animals.

CT

 

[azygous]

Wait. What? Heating pad hurt chick's feet? Who told you that? That's so over the top wrong, I wouldn't even know where to begin.

A heating pad attached to the under-side of a scrap of steel fencing with bungie cords and then covered securely with a tight-fitting pillow case or other material to hide all the metal parts and sharp spots is the absolute best way to deal with a single chick. Rolled socks stuck inside will make it think it has buddies.

CT is right, though. This chick needs a companion. Their instinct is so strong throughout the first six weeks to have other chicks for security, that it will have a difficult time thriving unless you get it at least one other chick.

Please go over the Blooie's thread and post there. They are always on duty and are eager to help folks such as yourself. "Mama Heating Pad for the Brooder". Go! Now!

 

[MommaDanielleW]

Good Morning All. Fuli (My son already named her) made it through the night. I did put a beanie baby chameleon in there for her to cuddle up with and she seemed to enjoy it. Not sure I should get another chick, but I might only because I want her to survive. I planned on just having my 4 (now 5! birds) originally so I'm not getting overwhelmed with too many. I'm going to see about getting a heat lamp today.

 

[appps]

Without a friend when you add her to your existing flock she will never really fit in. While they may accept her they are most likely to just tolerate her. Two will give her someone to hang out with.

Are you sure she is a girl? You also,don't want to get another only to find out she is a boy and you are back to just one again (unless you can have roosters)

 

[Blooie]

Good Morning All. Fuli (My son already named her) made it through the night. I did put a beanie baby chameleon in there for her to cuddle up with and she seemed to enjoy it. Not sure I should get another chick, but I might only because I want her to survive. I planned on just having my 4 (now 5! birds) originally so I'm not getting overwhelmed with too many. I'm going to see about getting a heat lamp today.

To echo what @azygous said, a heating pad is a wonderful way to raise chicks. They have a cuddly, dark place to go which is as close to a mama hen as you can get. They get used to day/night cycles. They regulate their own comfort. And it's far, far safer than a heat lamp. I know you said you don't want another chick, but the thing is, your chick does. Stuffed toys and mirrors are fine, but they are stop-gap at best.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update

Good luck with Fuli....and heck, 5 chickens, 6 chickens...what's one more?

 

[MommaDanielleW]

Ok. I did go read your post too Blooie. Just didn't reply. I guess youre right and I could add one more in. Also I called the store. They were sexed lots apparently.

Are they supposed to get this attached to is humans? She just pinned my hand as I changed food and water and now is screaming because I have to take a shower. I feel bad. Maybe I'm not good at this at all.

 

[MommaDanielleW]

I'll try the heating pad cave. Its a really neat concept to use and youre right it would help Fuli learn how regulate her body temp. Also I'm so sorry I'm asking a ton of questions but should I let a puller anywhere near her so she's not getting too attatched to me? She needs other chickens to learn how to chicken I thought.