New Member with chicken troubles

[Roothie]

Hi from Australia. I've always had a couple of chickens since we love fresh eggs, but I am new to chicken raising. My silver Wyandotte hatched 4 chickens (/12) and clumsily squashed one of them to death and then damaged the leg of another, so I took it away an kept it in a shoebox with a wheat pack to keep it warm. It is only limping a little bit now and jumping out of it's shoebox to greet me. Should I give it back to it's mother? Should I place it under her at night, or will she reject it?

 

[Laodicia]

Hi from Australia. I've always had a couple of chickens since we love fresh eggs, but I am new to chicken raising. My silver Wyandotte hatched 4 chickens (/12) and clumsily squashed one of them to death and then damaged the leg of another, so I took it away an kept it in a shoebox with a wheat pack to keep it warm. It is only limping a little bit now and jumping out of it's shoebox to greet me. Should I give it back to it's mother? Should I place it under her at night, or will she reject it?
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Super cute do the other chicks look the same? If they do you could certainly try putting it under her at night... maybe watch her for a little while after if you can to make sure she doesnt kick the new one out. I have no experience do this so maybe wait for a day where you can go out when the chickens are waking up to see her reaction in the morning.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Best case yes do it as soon as possible stay close to the box but go ahead. Merry Christmas and welcome to backyard chickens

 

[ChickNanny13]

So assuming the leg's not broken, probably bruised & it's walking ok now? Assuming it hasn't been separated from Mama & chicks more than a day? If so, it would be best to slip the chick under her at night but would you be able to keep an eye on the Hen? You could try mixing the chick in with the other two (slight of hand) when you toss some goodies to distract the Hen but hang around to see how she reacts & be ready to rescue.

Lets see if we can get more help here ... @Pyxis @oldhenlikesdogs @EggSighted4Life
and Merry Christmas -

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC. Personally I'd return the chick when you are present to observe for some time.

There's an Aussie thread that you may wish to drop by and say hi - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/australia-six-states-and-that-funny-little-island.598568/

 

[Pyxis]

I agree that if it's only been away from the mom for a day or so it's probably safe to give it back, but just make sure you can observe and remove the chick if necessary.

If it's been more than a day or two, the hen might not accept it back. Some hens are willing to take any chick at any time, and some will kill any chicks that aren't theirs. So you could try, but make sure you are there in case things go wrong.

 

[blackdust951]

it's great to have you here!
helloand welcome to backyard chickens!we're so happy you've decided to join usi hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[N F C]

Hope things are going well with your chick, sure is a cutie.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Happyto have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
Hoping for the best with reintroduction.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us