Introducing a Bantam chick

[Jhorra]

So over the course of three days or so I went from four chicks to seven. I wanted to get a Easter Egger but misunderstood the person on the phone and they didn't have any. Since I was down there though I saw they had Bantam chicks. I figured I would be ok introducing her since the others were only together a day or so. It's been two days now, and the other chicks seem to be ok with her. I haven't seen any of them picking on her, and she sleeps right along side them.

My concern though is she seems to cheep a lot and loudly. Sometimes I wonder if she's under stress, but when I look she's just standing there with no one bothering her. I'm not sure if I should be concerned or not. She is smaller, but that hasn't seemed to be an issue.

 

[FarmGirl01]

Not really sure way she is being loud. As long as there is food and water and heat, she should be fine.

 

[TXchickmum]

We had one bantam that was very noisy, and at the time, our only bantam. The three standard chicks were of similar age but much larger. The bantam would cheep all the time. (We placed a wee stuffed animal in a corner of the brooder. -little thing would hop to the very top of it and cheep like mad.) After a day of this, we returned to the feed store and picked up three more bantams. Finally there was a contented chick! - stopped the cheeping and cuddled up wih the new little chicks. She was the smallest of the group, yet rooted the others all over the brooder. -swore this little bit would be a rooster (but alas, turned out to be a hen - and the only of my flock to go broody thus far). -just think that some chicks are more fussy/have bolder personalities than others. You might consider getting another bantam to keep her company. (This worked for us.)

 

[ChucktheChick]

Since she is the smallest, she probably wants to letthe others she is there and she doesn't want them to forget about her. She should be ok

 

[Jhorra]

That could be it, while they don't pick on her they do at times walk over her. If they're laying down they do it to each other sometimes to, but she's so tiny I think it happens more. I think you're right though, better get another one. If I have to

 

[mybuffbabies]

I have 4-8 week old BO and one 2 week bantam. My bantam cheeps all the time and they are not together in the coop yet. So, I guess what I need to know is if I need to get another chick and when to introduce her to the rest of the flock. Any thoughts? I have put her outside when the others free range and they run to her and peck her. I'm thinking I made a mistake by picking up this lone chick!

 

[TXchickmum]

I would get another (preferably bantam) chick of the same approximate age to keep with her. Also, if you have some type of wire pet crate or temporary fencing, I would place the 2-week old chick(s) in it outdoors while supervised. The older chicks will come over but be unable to peck. This way both groups can get used to one another while protecting the younger one(s).

We did this with our bantams and standards. -took the wire top off of a very large pet kennel and placed it directly on the ground for the bantams. The chicks were able to scratch in the grass, and both groups were able to be near one another. -worked out just fine.

 

[mybuffbabies]

Thanks, I did get another chick (frizzle-cochin & silkie mix!) for my lone bantam and things seem to be really good with them. I will guardedly and slowly mix with the others.

 

[shellyjimrye]

glad to hear that things worked out!