Introducing an only chick to others

[taprock]

This is Boo my Bantam Salmon Faverolle. She was the only one to hatch out. She has been fine being alone although loves our company. She is three and a half weeks old. I have some standard chicks about a week and a half old I'd like to put her in with so she is part of a flock. My problem is she wants nothing to do with them. They are a bit smaller but she is scared of them. I put her in with them and she wants out. I have a banty roo to keep her company but he is still a bit bigger than her. Maybe I should try them together. Any suggestions. I love her to pieces but she can't stay in a box in the house forever.

 

[Judy]

I have read on here a number of times, and from experienced folks, that up to 4 weeks it is OK to mix chicks of different ages. If I were you I'd put them together now, while you still can without bloody attacks. They may never become "friends" but they should learn to live together. If it works as it has in my mixed age flock, even a loner will eventually find one or a few to hang around with. I have a pullet around point of lay who was an only chick like yours. She kept to herself for a few months but hangs around with a select few now.

 

[hannakat]

Wow...she is adorable!!!

My feelings lean toward putting her with the others. The age is right and waiting longer will just make it harder. I have 2 older hens that never bonded but tend to stick together when it counts.

 

[chkinut]

how many standard chicks do you have? the amount may overwhelm her. try just 2 of the standards with her and see how she does....she still may seem scared at first, but give her a chance and make sure it's a big enough box where she doesn't feel cornered with no where to run (and check things out from a distance). i would think she would be fine with them. how old is the older roo? i wonder how he would be with her? it's something to try if the chicks don't work out. i've put chicks together that are 3 weeks apart before, and at 1st there was an occasional peck here and there, but for the most part it went great!