How will a lone chick fair socially?

[rcentner]

I had only 1 egg hatch and the chick is doin well, but I wonder if it will have trouble because it is the only chick. No mother or siblings to guide it and show it chicken behavior. does it matter? anything I can do to help show it chicken ways? Do you think the flock will accept it when it is old enough?

 

[eggsrcool]

To be honest it wont do well. I had the same problem. They are flock animals.

Options

1) Get another chick

2) Put a cuddly toy in with it


They are flock animals- option 1 is the best

When its introduced to the flock, it may stand away, and wonder on its own. I have a 12 week grower and it only plays with ones that are a few weeks younger than it, it is slowly beginning to get used to adult chickens.

Good luck!

 

[possumqueen]

I have tried a couple of times to raise solo chicks, and it was never a success. I was "Mama." Chicks want and NEED their mama or some kind of company 24-7, and they pine away and die after a while when they can't have that.

 

[cmom]

Put a stuffed animal or feather duster in with it. I think that will make the chick feel more secure.

 

[SunnyDawn]

Get another chicken, quick! Chickens do NOT do well alone!

 

[rcentner]

I did put a little stuffed toy in with it and it seems to like it, I thought about getting another chick, but I am afraid to. It has a tendon problem and has a wrapped leg. There is someone in my area that has 4week old chicks, but they will be bigger and I am afraid the chick will get picked on. I also can't get her to drink water from anything but a dropper, so I have been checkin on her every 2 hours to be sure it drinks. oh boy, i dont know! I just keep trying to think positive. It seems lively, eats well and poops regularly.

 

[rcentner]

Quote:
was that an only chick?