I went out to feed my chickens and found a little chick running around; it's January 28. Will it be ok?

[Carolines coop]

I went out to feed my chickens and found a little chick running around; it's January 28. Will it be ok?

 

[Gallinarium]

I went out to feed my chickens and found a little chick running around; it's January 28. Will it be ok?

Is it your chick, or...?

 

[Gallinarium]

Does it have a source of warmth, like a broody hen?

 

[RebeccaRN]

Oh my goodness what a surprise!!

 

[333113]

You will have to observe.

If the chick seems to have a mom and she is clucking to it, it will probably be okay.

If mom is still back on the nest hatching eggs and the chick is running with adults that are pecking at it, then you might want to isolate mom and chick, at least temporarily. The best way is to remove the other adults until mom finishes setting.

In either case, be sure to put a chick-appropriate waterer in there for the baby, and make sure chickie knows where it is. I would remove the adult waterer altogether to avoid the chick accidentally falling in and drowning or chilling. Adult birds will be able to use most chick waterers.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Yes, more info is needed re the chick. Is it fully feathered or newly hatched? Does it have a broody hen mom? If active and running around, it is ok for NOW, as far as cold temperature effect. But depending on the circumstances, it may or may not be ok for long. I have had chicks die in cold weather even with their broody mama nearby. Just like people, if chicks get too cold they become disoriented & drowsy, & which prevents them from moving back underneath mama hen for warmth. This usually occurs within 48 hours of hatch. So chick's age & living circumstances are important to know.

 

[50-45-1]

ound a little chick running around; it's January 28. Will it be ok?

Is this chick fully feathered?
If not, without its mother it may not survive.
Do you have neighbors with chickens?
Did one of your hens steal a nest and hatch chicks?