Need advice: I have only one chick

[Bothwell]

This morning one of my eggs hatched (only had two in the incubator on day 18... they are shipped eggs and must have been shaken a lot). I doubt the other will hatch, and in that event, I will have one chick. I am just now starting a flock, so I have no other chickens. Will this little chick go crazy without others? I am scheduled to get more eggs in August (temps too high for transporting now). Should I try to find another chick of similar age in my area?

Thanks for any advice...

Michelle

 

[Guitartists]

As long as you spend time with it and give it a stuffed animal... it's likely to do just fine. BUT if at all possible I would hunt down a friend or two for the little fella... it is a lot easier than dealing with a demanding little chickie

Where are you located? Someone here might be able to help you out if you don't have anything store-wise.

 

[smpezzi]

Hi Michelle-

I am pretty new but from what I understand generally a single chick doesn't do well, chickens are very social and need buds. I have seen several times where it has been advised if nothing else to put a small stuffed animal in with it (not in the bator though I don't think) to keep it company. If it is possible to find a chick about the same age in your area I would though. I am sure that someone else can give you even better advice for your single chick though. You might want to do a search on single chick too (Look at the top of the page you will see "search" click that and just type in single chick) I know I have seen similar questions on here about single chicks. Best of Luck to you and

 

[onthespot]

do your best to find it another same age chick buddy. If you post on here maybe someone can spare you a little roobaby or something, someone local to you. I have one that was the only hatch in his clutch and I didn't have anything close to his age. He grew up for a month by himself, with a mirror and a teddy bear, (which he ignored) and when he got a little bit bigger and closer in size to the other earlier hatchers I tried integrating him into the flock but he din't know what to do and when they pecked him he just screamed and hid. I finally have him sorted down with three pullets that pick on him some but they get along okay. It would have been so much better to integrate him sooner. I should have put him in a "cage within a cage" so the others could get used to looking at him and not pecking him. Oh well, live and learn. Anyhow, yes, get a buddy for it.

 

[robinaggie]

Yep, so far only one of my five has hatched, and the little thing is driving me crazy. Is a stuffed animal any different to a chick than a rag?

 

[Guitartists]

I would say YES! A stuffed animal...especially if you can find one with a nice fuzz to it, has eyes and a body and at least resembles something. But, that is just my opinion....I'm sure there's no scientific data to support it

LOL

 

[Bothwell]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try to find a recently hatched chick or two in my area. I live in Corvallis Oregon (about 1.5 hrs South of Portland). I'm very excited to start this new journey!

Michelle