New chick question

[4Chicks2]

Is it a bad idea to get a day or two old bantam chick and add to a flock of 4 red stars and 1 frizzle cochin bantam that are 5 weeks old?? after time in the brooder of course. Or would she be lonely in the brooder and then get picked on in the flock?

 

[ChickensRDinos]

There is a pretty high likelihood that they would hurt the chick.

 

[4Chicks2]

I figured as much, but I was hoping otherwise...

 

[4Chicks2]

Would it be better if there were more than one new chicks?

 

[mhamilton]

There is going to be a pecking order even if they are all the same age, someone will be the boss, and one will be on the bottom, likelihood is the youngest, smallest chick will be picked on, but if you keep it in the brooder until it's big enough, she might have a chance. If you do try it, distract the older hens with food, treats, or let them out for a while. Or put the newbie in a wire kennel That is see though and let them fight Out the pecking order with protection from the older ones.

 

[mhamilton]

[quote namcks2" url="/t/780631/new-chick-question#post_11190074"]Would it be better if there were more than one new chicks?[/quote]
Maybe, more than one will be harder for the elders to focus on an individual. Again, to let them be introduced through a wire kennel, or even construct a temp coop attached to your existing coop, so they see each other through the fence.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Chicks by themselves do not do very well in general. Most people recommend getting 2-3 at least.

 

[mhamilton]

Chicks by themselves do not do very well in general. Most people recommend getting 2-3 at least.

I agree, but I guess I don't really just get one of anything anyways.... Animals that is....

 

[4Chicks2]

The reason I am asking is we lost a bantam cochin a few days ago to a snake (which I also posted in a different thread) and it was my daughters favorite one. I was just trying to find out what the chances of getting another one was. I don't really want to add too many more right now. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[mhamilton]

The reason I am asking is we lost a bantam cochin a few days ago to a snake (which I also posted in a different thread) and it was my daughters favorite one. I was just trying to find out what the chances of getting another one was. I don't really want to add too many more right now. Thanks for all the advice.

well if you only have one chick in a Brooder you could put another or two in with him, try to find the same approx age and size to make it easier for your first little chick.