Raising a single chick. Day 6. Too bored. Please advice

[FoodKillah]

I was incubating 3 eggs and only 1 chick lived, now its all alone since the weak ones passed away and is screaming all day and always tries to jump out of the brooder.

I placed a mirror and a baby toy for the bird to take naps and see another chick like somebody adviced.

I need more advices/ideas of what to do to keep it busy or happy. If i am there its calm, if i sneak in when its calling it keeps calling until i show up. Its otherwise healthy, drinking, eating pooping sleeping, walking and like i said it even jumps.

 

[babyrnlc]

Quote:
Chick days!

Buy it a buddy or two!

I really do not know, I am still new to this, but I imagine that will be one really tame chick.

Sorry you lost one

 

[BeccaB00]

I had one like that, and it was so bad I had to sit with my hand in the

brooder all the time so he would shut-up and sleep haha. He was the

tamest chicken I had - even when he grew up. Give him a feather duster,

or a stuffed animal to snuggle with. Somthing that feels like 'momma'

- Somthing soft and snuggly. If that don't work you'll either have to tough it out

or buy him some buddies.

 

[FoodKillah]

I cannot buy so young chicks in my area. They sell them 2 months old.

that brooder will look like a luna park soon

Shut up is not at the chicks dictionary yet, i have to close 2 doors to put the volume a little down, i still hear it, with music on. There is a ventilation hole at the wall and the rooster hears it and comes to crow through the ventilation hole, you can even see his shade from the inside crowing through the hole

 

[drumstick diva]

Oooh poor babies (both of you). You have to see it from his side tho since he is newlyborn. He popped out of an egg and NOW WHAT? He's alone in a very strange place, nothing is familiar to him since he only knew the inside of an egg shell. He is lonely, scared, and needs comforting. Can you give him some small box he could use as a'hidey hole," Maybe a kleenex box with an opening big enough for him to go in. I think if the area(his box) is smaller than the brooder and dark and quiet, he may be more content with his plight. Put his stuffed toy or some comfort item in with him and he may nap quietly for awhile.

If he wants to explore give him some safe toys- something low to perch on, maybe a parrot toy or two to take his mind off of his loneliness, and exercise his little chickie body. Maybe a radio on to give him some music, or one of those language skill tapes. He might end up a genius who knows. If he is really driving you nuts. and you have no kindly broody hen or some low ranking chicken that would welcome his company then please think about giving him to someone who has other chicks.Chickens are regarded as social animals even when pecking each other half to death. He'd rather have a chick but, he'll settle for you.

Could you spare him some cuddle or tv time during the day it may wear him out and he will nap better? If not, remember just like babies, they grow so fast. What seems like an eternity of his neediness will pass in days/weeks? Could you move him around the house, with you, in some wire dog crate ? You say he is calm when you are there, so watching you do housework or computing , vacuuming will give him all the stimulus his little bird brain can handle.

 

[FMAFarms]

Poor little chick! I agree... get him some brooder mates! You can get as few as three day-old chicks shipped from Meyer Hatchery or Chickens in My Backyard or My Pet Chicken. If you have a Tractor Supply Company near you, Chick Days there start March 4. Otherwise, a natural feather duster is a good idea. A mirror -- excellent. Go to a pet store and see what little toys they have for caged pet birds, perhaps something with a bell for it to peck at. Not sure where you're located, but if it's not a snowy place, see if you can find a ladybug or a beetle for it to chase around. Good luck!!

 

[drumstick diva]

It just dawned on me that Foodkillah doesn't live in the US - duh! So I wouldn't expect he has a TSC or could get chickens from USA hatcheries - the shipping and distance would be far too great. I read part of his journal from some time ago and it is really interesting and entertaining. Also the OP really loves his chickens. I thought from his post on this thread that he couldn't stand the little beast. I see how wrong I am.

 

[FMAFarms]

Okay! Let's backtrack then. No US hatcheries. No Tractor Supply. There's got to be a nearby farmer's supply store where feed is sold. Perhaps they have chicks there? If not, a pet store with bird toys might provide some fun for the little chick. Are there farms nearby that have chicks? Pick up a couple there? I hope there's a feasible solution for you!

 

[drumstick diva]

If you get a chance read FoodKillah's chicken journal, the link is with his siggy. He says where he gets his chickens, what feed they sell him etc. It's really more like he is rescuing the poor chickens and seems to be doing it very well from blog and actual pictures. I don't know what country he resides in but, his English and sense of humor is great. And boy, he likes eggs.

 

[HatchingFever]

craigslist the best anser always chicks