Incredibly sad...

[ctchopper]

Hi. I thought of that. A girlfriend's mother bought chicks about the same time I did. I asked her the same thing - if her mom would be willing to take this one or sell me two of hers. She hasn't gotten back to me yet but it's certainly an option. Thanks

 

[3riverschick]

Oh I am so sorry the ranch didn't work out, sigh. Why don't you keep her? She's a comely looking bird from a rare breed. Old enough to go outside. If you want, buy cheap polyester stuffed animal for her to snuggle again. A reclining big cat would be nice. Something she could curl up against, cheap enough to throw out if it gets dirty. I get them for my dogs toy's at Salvation Army. Happy you got your new chicks. I another month you will be back on track.
Best Regards,
Karen

 

[ctchopper]

Thank you, Karen. That's a great idea - Think I'll make the dogs give up a toy for her Yes, she is pretty. I took her out to the coop today but it was just too big a space for her to be comfortable in, so I'm making her box (about 2 x 4 feet) as comfy as possible. It's just amazing how much a chicken grows in 5 or 6 weeks! The difference in their sizes right now is crazy! -Catherine

 

[NettieB]

I'm so sorry. Country Club has chicks right now, on Sierra Highway & Crown Valley. So does Hemme feed in Lancaster. I'm a newbie to BYC and I live in Acton too. Greetings!

 

[anvia]

I'm so sorry - its heartbreaking. We had a similar situation where we were left with one chick from a hatch and she was so lost and lonely. We searched and searched for companions for her and simply couldn't get close to finding any one willing to sell any chicks her age / size. The best we could find were chicks about 5 weeks younger - which looked sooooo tiny in comparison! - So we split the chick house with a clear perspex sheet so they could all see & hear each other, but not mingle & we gave the "only" chick a hot water bottle covered with two feather boas (which she loved to snuggle up too), I honestly can't remember how long it took, but when we removed the perspex barrier the chicks happily accepted each other and then they all moved out to the coop together when the tiddlies were ready and then grew up as siblings. In my experience chicks and chickens need company - I hope you find a solution!

 

[ctchopper]

You guys are so sweet
Like you, we could not find other 5 week old chicks but our little one was obviously lonely. We did end up getting four more chicks from County Club Feed. Della went into the coop and the others had to wait a week or so before they could mingle and were living in a brooder in the garage. I would put the chicks in a wire dog carrier wrapped closely with hardware cloth and set it in the coop with her during the days. She was thrilled to have other chickens around! After a week or so I started letting them mingle together and there was some minor pecking - no blood- and it seemed to subside after a minute or two. But I've been coming home from work, letting them out together and watching them for an hour or so (how's that for crazy .

Next step was leaving them out together all day. That went well, and last night (new chicks at 5 weeks and Della now 9 weeks) they spent their first night together in the coop! It's still a bit chilly at night here in Acton - didn't get much sleep but they were all fine this morning, and still happy when I got home from work. So, I think we've made the transition. Tough going, but worth it. Thanks again for your concern