One of my chicks died. I only had 2, now only 1. Now his brother won't stop chirping unless I hold him. What do I do?

[Sad Chick]

Hi. I had recently hatched chicks, about 4 weeks ago. Unfortunately, today one of the 2 chicks was eaten by some sort of animal. Now, every time I get close to the brooder, the last chick will try to jump up into my arms, almost like he/ her is seeing me as their brother. He also chirps when I am not holding him. How do I help?

 

[rosemarythyme]

You need to get another chick, or if you have an adult flock, start working on integrating him so he's not alone. Temporarily you can use a mirror or a small stuffed animal to be a "companion."

 

[Sad Chick]

Oh ok. But I don't exactly have Small stuffed animals. Do big ones work? Also, can the stuffed animal have fluff/ fur?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Oh ok. But I don't exactly have Small stuffed animals. Do big ones work? Also, can the stuffed animal have fluff/ fur?

If you don't have anything appropriate, just go with the mirror for now. Just make sure that anything you use is secured and not liable to fall on and crush the chick.

 

[Saveria]

Hi. I had recently hatched chicks, about 4 weeks ago. Unfortunately, today one of the 2 chicks was eaten by some sort of animal. Now, every time I get close to the brooder, the last chick will try to jump up into my arms, almost like he/ her is seeing me as their brother. He also chirps when I am not holding him. How do I help?

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you found your way here to folks who can help.

 

[MasterofNone]

I would definitely run down to the feed store or check online locally to see if you can find at least one more chick around the same age to add asap.

 

[SueT]

A mirror and a radio will help, but nothing takes the place of a buddy.
I went to the trouble to find a buddy for my lone chick, and in the end, they both turned out to be cockerels…
In this pic, Peepo, the lonely one, happily showing his new friend the mirror and the water bottle.

 

[Tired old Rooster]

Welcome to BYC. Best thing you can do is quickly find similar age chicks for sale and preferably buy two. Chickens are always best in groups of three or more, in case one dies.

 

[Sad Chick]

Ok! Thanks for helping. We are planning to get chicks by Sunday, at the latest. Thanks again for everyone's help!

 

[SueT]

Good luck, keep us updated!