Keeping a lonely chicken

[Goethe12]

Hi All!

I've got one little lonely chicken (born 20 hrs ago). Do you think it is possible to raise her? Of yes, how? Someone suggested using a mirror. I don't know if it would work. Would appreciate it.

 

[sumi]

Awww, sweet little thing. Have you got a brooder ready for her? There are some articles on raising chicks here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raising-your-baby-chicks

If possible can you get another chick or two to keep that one company? Chickens are very social creatures and though it's possible to raise and keep only one, they are generally much happier with company of their own kind. It is also much easier to keep especially chicks quiet and happy that way!

 

[Goethe12]

Thanks for the response! Well, I can't call the last-minute haphazardly-put-together things for her a brooder. From what I see in your links, mine is superbly inefficient. Will soon get a wooden box. Got the lamp already.

 

[Tyaloria]

It's not ideal, but a breeder advised me to keep the only chick of the batch in the brooder with a cotton mop head.
She said they think its like the feathers under their mom. seems to work!



Also (as I cant let Wobbles in with the big girls yet) I carry him around in my bra... such an idiot I am. But he cant get lonely, although my husband is not at all happy about it!

 

[Goethe12]

Thanks. Unfortunately, my bra-wearing days are over (lol). The mop head mother hen thingie looks cool.