Keeping 1 chick warm and fed during transportation?

[KieranB]

I am going to be picking up 1 chick from a hatchery an hour away from me. I need a way to keep the baby warm and fed. I was thinking of something like that paste they send with the chicks but I don't own any. So I thought I could improvise with applesauce possibly?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

You don't need to worry about food for an hour long trip. How old is the chick? Why are you only getting one?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

And why wouldn't you just give it chick crumble, anyway?

 

[KieranB]

This chick will be less that 24hours old. I am only getting one because I am going to have my broody hen raise it. But I only have room for 1 more chicken comfortablely. But how could I keep it warm? Like a bottle full of warm water or those heating pads you put in gloves I have some of those.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Chicks don't need to eat for the first couple of days, that is how they are able to ship them. They are still living off of the yolk they absorb right before they hatch. There's no need for gels or anything fancy. Just put crumble down with mama when you get it home and she will teach them the rest.

Either one of those options will work. If you happen to have an outlet in your car you can use a heating pad. If you use the hot water bottle make sure it is not too hot and you make sure you wrap whatever you use with a cloth so that the chick is not too warm.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Have you checked to see if they will sell you just one chick? Some places will not. Is that the only place to get chicks or is it a particular breed you want?

 

[KieranB]

Thanks for the information! Yes they will sell us just 1 we have double checked with them. And it is the only place that's in the 4hours and less distance.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Wow! Well, good luck. I do advise you to get two, just in case. Sometimes they just don't make it. Are you buying it sexed?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

And do you know what breed you want?

 

[KieranB]

The breed I am not really fussy about just not a RIR. And yeah it will be sexed. I will take getting 2 into consideration.