Lone Chicken

[shickenthe2nd]

Good Afternoon, I have a five-day-old baby chick who is doing very well, I think...Except, when I put it down after handling, the chirps sound quite distressed. I've read a bit here on BYC, I only just joined today, and understand that chickens apparently don't do well on their own. This chick was hatched in an incubator and never with a momma hen. I'm writing here to ask for pointers on raising a lone chicken. Does it need toys? And here is another concern: this baby has never had a light for warmth and has been outside at night. I am in Georgia, so right now it isn't cool in the evening, but it certainly isn't the 90 degrees of the hot side of an incubator. I have not added a light, my place stays fairly warm, and I'm keeping it out of any AC drafts. It has a flannel pillow case to wallow around in and seems to be thriving. I read here that sometimes chicks chirp loudly when too hot or cold. So, I'm worried about this, though it seems its chirping is most urgent after I put him back in his box after holding him for some time. Please make any and all comments/suggestions that come to mind. I welcome any feedback; I have a lot to learn and look forward to hearing from y'all.
P.S. After searching other posts, I found a mirror to put in with the baby. It has not helped the incessant unhappy chirping after handling, though.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Good Afternoon, I have a five-day-old baby chick who is doing very well, I think...Except, when I put it down after handling, the chirps sound quite distressed. I've read a bit here on BYC, I only just joined today, and understand that chickens apparently don't do well on their own. This chick was hatched in an incubator and never with a momma hen. I'm writing here to ask for pointers on raising a lone chicken. Does it need toys? And here is another concern: this baby has never had a light for warmth and has been outside at night. I am in Georgia, so right now it isn't cool in the evening, but it certainly isn't the 90 degrees of the hot side of an incubator. I have not added a light, my place stays fairly warm, and I'm keeping it out of any AC drafts. It has a flannel pillow case to wallow around in and seems to be thriving. I read here that sometimes chicks chirp loudly when too hot or cold. So, I'm worried about this, though it seems its chirping is most urgent after I put him back in his box after holding him for some time. Please make any and all comments/suggestions that come to mind. I welcome any feedback; I have a lot to learn and look forward to hearing from y'all.
P.S. After searching other posts, I found a mirror to put in with the baby. It has not helped the incessant unhappy chirping after handling, though.

Understandable the chick is likely imprinted on you or other humans instead of on its natural mother, siblings or flock members. Therefor the chick looks to you as its momma and it is under immense stress anytime that it is separated from you or you from it. The reality is not that the chick gives a tinkers you know what about any relationship you may have with it or it with you, but this is simply how baby chicks keep up with their mothers, and siblings.

 

[Picklesquidly]

Welcome to BYC!

Your chick is definitely lonely, and sees you as his only companion, or mother. A few months ago I took home a lone chick after a biology class project, and he imprinted on me. I could not leave his sight without the little guy chirping his head off. I tried putting stuffed animals in his brooder, a mirror, even a feather duster to mimic a hen, but nothing worked for me.
Eventually, I was forced to buy four more chicks to accompany him. That was the only solution for me besides taking him wherever I went. Chicks are flock birds, and they need others of their kind. I suggest getting at least one or two more chicks so yours isn't lonely anymore.

 

[azygous]

Unless you want to haul this chick with you everywhere you go, you need to buy it a couple of buddies. Do it in the next week so they're not too far apart in size and age.

Meanwhile, you can solve the problem of wondering if it's warm enough by tying a scarf around your neck, forming a pouch against your neck or chest, and carry the baby chick around with you. It will be kept at just the right temperature and will be comforted by your closeness. Frequent food and water breaks, though!

But what I would do is rig up a heating pad cave for it with its food and water. You stand a good chance it will be comforted by being under the warm enclosure, especially at night. When you get some little friends for it, you can slip them under there, too. Read more about this chick heating system on Mama Heating Pad in the Brooder thread on this forum.

 

[shickenthe2nd]

Thank-you for your comments. I have good news: I found another lone chicken; tomorrow or the next day my little one will have a buddy. Mine is six days old and the other three. Another singular survivor, so it's kismet!

 

[azygous]

Indeed! Great news! We shall expect photos when the two are introduced to each other.

 

[Picklesquidly]

fantastic! Good luck with the chicks.