Well I wasn't expecting any of the eggs in my home made bator to hatch after a fairly lengthy power outage, but the only thing worse than having none hatch - was to have only one hatch. And thats what happened. The poor little tyke is now 2 days old and all on its lonesome in the brooder. It already sees me and thinks i could be mum, but clearly I cant be with it 24/7 working full time. I have a teddy in there for it to snuggle into, and am hopelessly attached to it, its name is Waffle and its a purebred Australorp. Just wondering what else i can do to help the little one not feel so alone and isolated? I dont have any broody hens that will take it (have tried with two, both will keep it at night but through the day kick it out and peck it, they've both only been sitting for a few days). I figure it will always be a pet now so hope plenty of human handling is ok, any other tips on how to care for the solo chick?
The only suggestion I can make is to find someone with chicks to get it a friend. Do you have like a craigslist there? Often times people will have chicks for sell there.
I had the same problem. Little Polly Prissypants grew up in my bra. One of the sweetest little girls I had. She died of cancer earlier this year, about 4 yrs old. Good luck!
There a few people I know around the Ballarat area I know have chickens hatching right now if you are interested in getting it a real friend. I will ask around at the Daylesford show tomorrow for you as well for someone closer that may be able to help you out with a friend for your little one. in the mean time...try something like this.... Rather than just a still toy- if you find something you can hang up like this- the chick can get under it like it would its mother. When the chick moves- the legs of the toy move kind of giving the impression that it is alive.
I've got a lonely little chick right now to! She/he hatched out about a week ago. I gave it a little stuffed dog toy to snuggle up to. It seems to be doing just fine by itself. I'd see if you can find someone in the area with chicks for sale. Does anyone know if a mirror would help? It works with song birds but I don't know if a chick would get any comfort from it. I have 2 more eggs due to hatch out this weekend so mine won't be alone much longer. Good Luck!
I too have been in the same spot. All you can really do is your best. You will just need to be the chicks flock.
Buy a $5 feather duster from a hardwear store. Then put it in the corner of the brooder under yur lamp. Its what i used for my 3 chicks when i hatched them. I call them "Mommy Feathers" They will snuggle up in them and it will make it seem like they are under mom. AND THEY LOVED IT!!!!!!!!! Best $5 youll ever spend on a chicken! Hope that helped. good luck!
Buy a $5 feather duster. (Ace, Walmart) Then put it in the corner of the brooder under the lamp. Waffle can then snuggle up it and feel like hes under mom. Seriously, it was the best $5 ive ever spent on a chicken!!! They love it!!!!!!!! I hope all goes well! i think my computer freaked out on me and there are 2 posts by me.....sorry
Feather dusters are perfect for solo chicks. They're also good if you have only two chicks, because they can both fit under it. I had to eventually throw away my best feather duster after a few small hatches like that, and when I searched for another, all I found was this bright yellow feather duster at an outlet store, kind of a joke feather duster... but it worked for the next couple of solo hatches!! The chicks didn't mind their skimpy, bright yellow momma at all. Some folks use mirrors, but I haven't done that. Small stuffed animal and a feather duster have worked for my chicks.
I am also going to be in the same situation out of 6 eggs i have only 1 definate chick im praying it hatches ok as this is my first time we are at day 15 now so not long to go although i havent seen it move in the last 48 hrs which worries me im looking everyday for some other chicks everyday to keep it company without success at the mo im defo gonna start looking for a feather duster now though awesome tip ,i have a feeling its going to be a very spoilt chicken ,roll on hatch day the tress is sending me mad
