New chick wants to be part of the flock

[badgerpendous]

Quote:
We did! My wife put some "puff balls" in the cage at night the first night. Didn't seem to help _too_ much.

But, in better news, the second night seemed to go much better. The little one still spends most of its time trying to get into the other cage, get attention from the larger birds/etc.

 

[cmom]

Is it warm enough? I wouldn't put a week old chick in with older chicks. They may kill it. Some people use radios and some even use loud ticking clocks.

 

[badgerpendous]

Yes, the temperature is correct. I've heard of ticking clocks being used with puppies before. The third night went well. The chick is still peeping like crazy, but for shorter durations. Also, it sleeps in its food bowl, just like one of the older birds does.

Thanks everyone.

 

[badgerpendous]

A quick update.

We had the chicks out on the lawn today and we put the new chick in with them for 10 minutes. For the most part, the older chicks ignore the little one. The little one runs around trying to be as close as possible to the larger birds.

There were a few pecks, nothing that looked very threatening and overall I'd say it was a successful 10 minute "play date."

Their cages are still right next to each other, and the little one likes that.

Weather permitting, we'll give them another 10 minutes together tomorrow.

 

[badgerpendous]

We gave them another 10 minutes together (heavily supervised) on Saturday, and again it went fairly well -- a few pecks here and there, but nothing major. We had them together in a large pen we put together just for that purpose.

The little one managed to fly up out of its cage today while we had the top open during cleaning duties. It immediately tried to break IN to the big birds' cage. Too funny.

 

[ibpboo]

Glad to hear the chickies seem to be getting along! Soon, they should be able to stay together.

 

[badgerpendous]

Quote:
Yes, your initial idea/impression seems to be spot on.

The little one doesn't seem to mind being pecked, either. She's just SO determined to be part of the flock. It's very cute to see her running underfoot while the big ones scratch around.

Here's a pic:

 

[estpr13]

Quote:
Good Job! I'd bet that this was more stressful for you than for the chickens.

Watch the little one snuggle up to the older ones on the roost at night. Momma hens peck their chicks all the time, just not too hard. It's like giving a kid limits. They adjust really quickly.

 

[wings]

Oh my goodness! I love the picture!!!

KEEP THEM COMING!!!

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Wow - what a photo! I'm surprised it went over so well, but am also very glad it did. I guess 6-7 week old chicks aren't as agressive as I thought they would be. How are they doing now? Are the three of them staying in the same cage together yet?

I wish the integration we're doing at our house was going as well as yours. We're trying to get our 20 week old pullets to accept our 11 week old chicks and the big ones are downright mean. The chicks have a safe place (with plenty of food and water) to retreat to when they are chased, but I didn't expect them to be chased so much. I don't have another pen and the chicks grew too big for their brooder.