Several questions re: raising chicks

[SunHwaKwon]

In most instances they will always choose to be with the group unless they are being harassed or ostracized. I'll bet she saw mom go in there and followed her lead. I'm glad it's working out well so far.

 

[farmert]

It's one of those sad "natural" things to see the chick want to be with the mother, and the mother not feeling the same way at all.

Chick found a roost last night, and this morning during the breakfast frenzy that it is with all the big ones, the chick chose to stay on the roost. Smart cookie.

Figured I would let everyone out to range this afternoon as usual and close the gate so that the chick can explore the new area on his/her own (and eat in peace). Will let her out later on to give her some range time to boot.

What I see so far are a couple of hens interested in her and staying in proximity. I was curious to see what the rooster would do with the chick but haven't seen him do much so far.

Thanks for all your advice. It really helps.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Keep us posted. I'm sure it's pretty scary for her, with no hatch mates to keep her company and share in the new experience with her.

 

[farmert]

This is a sad update. The lone chick was doing fine. She continued to follow her mother as much as possible, getting stronger and bigger and able to keep up with her. Chick had also started going in to the big coop, perching on a top roost and seem to be doing fine.

Until this morning. When I go out to feed and let them out of the roost area, I didn't hear her peeping and knew something was wrong. Found her dead when I opened the door.

What I saw were feathers off the neck with skin exposed and one eye gone.

I'm heart broken because the little one was just starting to enjoy being held and was eating out of my hand. She was eight weeks old and about eighteen inches tall -- quick to fly and escape any harassment. But something happened. I wonder if her own mother turned on her. The other chickens didn't seem to mind her very much.

Here's my question. I do NOT want this to happen again. How do you know what to do:

1.Either keep her by herself in the second coop for another month or so. She would have been safer but not too pleased about it (she wanted to go in with the others in the evening);

2. Let the same scenario play out and hope for the best?