My week old buff orpington has just had all her 11 sisters murdered by the family cat- as I went looking for a part to secure the covering over their brooder the cat jumped in and killed all but one little guy in a matter of minutes. This chickie has a little scratch on her back but she somehow managed to escape the evil cat. She seems to be doing fine but is very lonely! When they were all together they never jumped out of the box but now every time you put her in there- out she flies. I got her a bigger box that she can't jump out of but she just sreams bloody murder when left in there alone... as soon as you put your hand in there with her she's perfectly happy- she cawls onto your hand and goes to sleep. I can get her a buddy this tuesday but don't know if the week age difference will matter or if the other might peck on her back or if it's a good idea to introduce a new chicken to another anyways b/c diseases etc.) What should I do b/c I can't keep her in my lap forever especially b/c she makes it very hard to type when she pecks at my keyboard and types stray letters! Thanks for all your suggestions! I have really enjoyes reading all the informative posts on this site (sorry if this question has already been addressed)
Awwww! i'm so sorry for your loss. You can try putting a stuffed animal in with the chick, or a mirror so he can "talk to it." You can always get more chicks
Put a few small toys that can be pushed around by the chick (little balls work great). Also, hang a couple of mirrors in the box, low enough so the chick can see itself. Keep a close eye on the temp, now the little guy has no one to cuddle up to, to keep warm. I don't think the age differance will be to much of a problem with only one lder chick.
Thank you guys for all the suggestions! I already put a little chick doll in there and now i'll look through all my junk and find a mirror! If the feed store doesn't get any more orpingtons on tuesday is there another breed that is pretty nice to them? (I read some where that orpingtons can get picked on- so I don't want my baby who's already been through such horrible things to get picked on by another chicken!) Thanks again!
