HELP! Newly orphaned 5 wk old chick - get a friend or keep single til old enough to join big girls

[Weve3Chickens123]

Earlier this evening my DH left the shed door open and my dachshund got in and chewed through the bottom corner of their cardboard brooder box and killed 3 out of 4 of my five week old chicks. Thankfully one was able to fly to safety. I had moved the chicks to the cardboard box as they had grown out of the plastic tote brooder by 3 weeks! I The cardboard box was just a temporary fix while I finished up a 4 x 10 chicken tractor which was going to be their home until they were big enough to join the big girls in the larger coop/run. Now I have one lonely chick to put in it this weekend. ( She's back in the tote for now). My question is: is it better to let her live alone for the next few months or get her a companion ( or two) her age so when she DOES join the hens ( there are 6) she will have "back up". I've always tried to add in pairs. I don't want her to be lonely, but I don't want to bring in new chick and possibly bring in something else ( illness??) and suffer more heartbreak. Advise anyone????

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Oh you are so asking the wrong question! All of us chick-a-holics will certainly say get more chicks!

But in all seriousness, I would. Just for the reasons you stated. Companionship and backup when she goes in with the big girls.

Good luck and sorry for your losses.

 

[Weve3Chickens123]

Thanks, Puddin Fluff! I'm kinda leaning that way, but just want to make sure it's not just because I WANT it.

- - I want it to be good for HER. She was always the friendliest anyway ( flew up to the top of the tote and the box whenever I lifted the lid), while the rest were sort of skittish, but it was super sad when after we found her hiding in the shed , she got up on my shoulder and burrowed into my hair and sat like she was prepared to roost on my shoulder for the night. I just feel so bad for her.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Thanks, Puddin Fluff! I'm kinda leaning that way, but just want to make sure it's not just because I WANT it.

- - I want it to be good for HER. She was always the friendliest anyway ( flew up to the top of the tote and the box whenever I lifted the lid), while the rest were sort of skittish, but it was super sad when after we found her hiding in the shed , she got up on my shoulder and burrowed into my hair and sat like she was prepared to roost on my shoulder for the night. I just feel so bad for her.

So sweet. She really needs friend, or two, or 5

. Best of luck to you. Sounds like a sweetie. Hope you can get some others locally and quick, close to her age. I think 2 would be what I would try for.