Hen Raising a Lone Chick

[CoalLucker]

I have a broody hen who sat on some eggs and only managed to hatch out 1 of all the other eggs she sat on. Will the chick get lonely without any play mates? Should I get a few more chicks for the mother to adopt? Any advice is helpful, thank you!

 

[Pork Pie]

It would ideally be better for your lone chick to have other chicks of the same age to socialise with - particularly once momma has weaned it.

Whether momma will accept additional chicks is another matter. No harm in trying, as long as you have a brooder set up, in case things don't go as planned.

 

[CoalLucker]

It would ideally be better for your lone chick to have other chicks of the same age to socialise with - particularly once momma has weaned it.

Whether momma will accept additional chicks is another matter. No harm in trying, as long as you have a brooder set up, in case things don't go as planned.

I really can't have too many more chicks/chickens at this moment so would just one or two more chicks be okay?

 

[Pork Pie]

I really can't have too many more chicks/chickens at this moment so would just one or two more chicks be okay?

I'd suggest at least two, in case one falls prey to a predator / illness.

 

[CoalLucker]

I'd suggest at least two, in case one falls prey to a predator / illness.

Do they need to be the exact same age or just similar?

 

[Pork Pie]

If you are hoping that momma will adopt the chicks, then yes (or the same size, at least). I've no experience in trying this, but from what I have read, adoption has better chances when the chicks are no more than a few days old.

I hope that other members with direct experience will be able to advise further as this will be of greater benefit to you.

 

[CoalLucker]

If you are hoping that momma will adopt the chicks, then yes (or the same size, at least). I've no experience in trying this, but from what I have read, adoption has better chances when the chicks are no more than a few days old.

I hope that other members with direct experience will be able to advise further as this will be of greater benefit to you.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Eggcessive]

I had this same experience a few years ago. I got baby chicks at the feed store, but had to take a minimum of 6. The broody accepted them all since I added them quietly placing one under her at a time over an hour or so. It also is good to do this as early as possible, such as the next day, so she won't attack the chicks. All of mine made it fine, so I hope you have good luck.