Raising only one baby

[Hutslark]

I have only one egg that is about to hatch in incubator. When it hatches and I transfer baby chick to brooder, is just a heating plate good enough to keep it warm? It has no other baby chicks to cuddle with for heat retention so should I put a little blanket in there? Or just pine shavings??

 

[3KillerBs]

I have only one egg that is about to hatch in incubator. When it hatches and I transfer baby chick to brooder, is just a heating plate good enough to keep it warm? It has no other baby chicks to cuddle with for heat retention so should I put a little blanket in there? Or just pine shavings??

Welcome to BYC.

The brooder plate will keep it warm, but it will be very lonely. Do you have any way to get another baby to keep it company?

If you ask on your state thread there might be someone local who has baby chicks and could sell you a companion for yours.

In fact, if you're in central NC, I just hatched chicks this week.

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

Welcome to BYC.

The brooder plate will keep it warm, but it will be very lonely. Do you have any way to get another baby to keep it company?

If you ask on your state thread there might be someone local who has baby chicks and could sell you a companion for yours.

In fact, if you're in central NC, I just hatched chicks this week.

Whilst you find yourself a friend for your chick, put a mirror and a cuddly toy in your brooder. Can definitely help them. Handling them can calm them but cause them to get overly attached to you so be sensible.

 

[AntiqueB]

I raised an only chick last year, which I hatched. I kept her with me constantly because she would cry and try to run to me. I eventually was able to get another chick for her, which also helped when integrating her with the others. I think that trying to integrate an only would be rather rough.

 

[AGeese]

I have only one egg that is about to hatch in incubator. When it hatches and I transfer baby chick to brooder, is just a heating plate good enough to keep it warm? It has no other baby chicks to cuddle with for heat retention so should I put a little blanket in there? Or just pine shavings??

I raised one solo. The brooder plate should work fine just make sure it can touch its back to it and hopefully it's adjustable. Integration is another story.

 

[Aj1987]

When I had a solo I posted on a local page and found two friends for her. she constantly chirped and was stressed being alone. As soon as I got two friends she settled immediately. So if possible maybe post on local pages?

 

[Aj1987]

The other thing I forgot to mention is we gave her a stuffed animal when she was alone, she would cuddle it at night and it did help