One remaining chick

[Adrian Taylor]

Hi all.
I had six eggs in an incubator but only 2 hatched. Last Thursday. Both chicks seemed to be doing well up until yesterday. One of the chicks seemed to have a bit of a wobble when walking and yeasterday Saturday my wife found it dead. The remaining chick seems fine but likes TLC. Apart from what we are doing can anyone recommend anything because now its on its own its stop chirping until we pick it up.

 

[ben0125]

Sorry that your chick died,
Is anyone in your area selling chicks the same age? Try get him/her a friend ASAP, chickens don't do very well alone.

 

[Adrian Taylor]

I was afraid of that. Weve made a makeshift mum which has had some effect and we are looking for chicks but not much luck so far

 

[TomZilla43]

I was afraid of that. Weve made a makeshift mum which has had some effect and we are looking for chicks but not much luck so far

So sorry to hear about your chick. I didn't see mention of a location, but I heard someone on here say that the Rural King farm stores are starting to carry chicks all the time(Now that's just hearsay on my part) but I thought I'd make mention of it if you have one near you. Best of luck with your chick I hope you can find it a buddy or two

 

[Daniel-ir-74]

Either kill the chick or incubate more eggs.....just one chick ain't worth the trouble.

 

[N F C]

Yesterday I saw where our TSC was getting set up for their annual chick days. As the previous poster mentioned, check with your local farm store.

Also, BYC has a buy-sell-trade forum you can use once you have 20 posts:
Buy ~ Sell ~ Trade

I've read of some people having luck pairing a single chick with an unbreakable mirror or a small stuffed toy in the brooder (I've never done that so can't speak from experience).

Best of luck to you!

 

[Adrian Taylor]

I live in devon in the UK. We are a back garden chicken keeping family. Killing the chick is not an option as it deseves a chance. If it falls ill thats a different matter. We already have more fertile eggs but naturally its going to be 3 weeks before it gets a mate.

 

[N F C]

Have you tried this?
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/655508/uk-member-please-say-hi/890

It would be helpful in responding if you would add your general location (even just country) under your avatar. If you need help doing that, let me know!

 

[Nksg75]

I agree about the chick needing a buddy. I have been in the same situation as you before, when I had shipped eggs, and only one hatched. It was a very, very long 3 days with a lone chick. The constant chirping made me feel terrible for her. Luckily I was able to find a friend for her, however it took some searching on my part.
She was so much happier and content after I added another chick.
I agree about not killing this chick. It deserves a chance, and there is no good reason to cull it, just because it was the lone survivor. That is one very good reason to not kill it. Obviously it is the strong chick!

 

[Adrian Taylor]

Good news all. Managed to find 3 more chicks a fewdays older than mine from a local farmer. Theyve all mixed in well and clearly cheered up out own chick. Thanks all for your help.