Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[Cheeky Chick]

Hi ladies-here I am with a chicken problem...Of the 4 chicks from NJ that came home a few days ago, the little bantam cochin I put under Miss Boots, is not doing well with her. Apparently Boots rejected her, and I found the little one outside the hen house, huddled next to a treat bowl, withan obvious peck on her head-she seems ok, just cold and lonely.

I brought her inside, and set her up in a box with a lamp, food and water, but I know she can't be alone. What do I do? Do I bring the BCM chick that Miss Boots is still caring for inside with her? I saw Ducky (red star) go after the BCM, and Boots couldn't do much-she's a tiny little thing herself. If I bring her inside, Boots will be alone again, and broody, but the little bantam will have a sister. Anyone have advice?

On a cute note-Lovey and her two little Austra whites are out of the nest box, and cuddled up outside, where the babies are eating and drinking and cuddling. Lovey is awesome and mean as a snake with anyone that comes near her brood.

Now, what to do with Boot's babies. I think the best thing for them would be to let Boots be broody and bring in the BCM before she gets hurt. Agree?

 

[JerseyHen]

What if you bring the broody in with them? I have broody hatched a number of times and i have had the odd chick get separated from the momma. It wasnt abandoned, more lost. The momma took the other chicks and it didn't keep up, while alone the others will abuse it. Just a thought, the peck might not have been from the momma. I am on my phone, sorry this is so short.

 

[Cheeky Chick]

What if you bring the broody in with them? I have broody hatched a number of times and i have had the odd chick get separated from the momma. It wasnt abandoned, more lost. The momma took the other chicks and it didn't keep up, while alone the others will abuse it. Just a thought, the peck might not have been from the momma. I am on my phone, sorry this is so short.

I would consider it, but Boots actually pecked at the baby when I pushed the little one toward her. I don't think the broody will do anything good for the chick at this point.

 

[JerseyHen]

Oh, that is a different story. I wonder if you can get the other broody to take her? Otherwise i agree that you should probably bring them both in. Boots might decide to brood with your other hen (i have had broodies share hatches before).

 

[Cheeky Chick]

Thanks! Yep, I'm going to go get the other black chick and keep the bantam company. Broody Boots will have to do without, or if Lovey lets her close enough, she can lend an assist. I doubt it though-Lovey is fierce.

 

[smkchick]

Thanks! Yep, I'm going to go get the other black chick and keep the bantam company. Broody Boots will have to do without, or if Lovey lets her close enough, she can lend an assist. I doubt it though-Lovey is fierce.

I think that's the best solution. My big GLW is acting like a momma hen to the other smaller chicks. In fact, Pearl, the bantam, loves to hide under her. Bobby's going to make me a mesh cover for the container - Lucille the GLW is standing on top of the waterer peering over the edge. I guess we know what that means...

 

[smkchick]

My favorite little chickie!

 

[Cheeky Chick]

My favorite little chickie!

She looks so much like you! Proud Mama!!

 

[Cheeky Chick]

So, Kairi slept pretty well IN the bed with me. Good thing I have a large keister because he was kneading it all night.

The chicks, who I call Cuddles and Snuggles for lack of imagination these days (I will probably change the names-I just need to have a moment to think) slept very well, and they're both such happy little things. The Bantam hides under the BCMs wing, but isn't really THAT much smaller. Very sweet babies.

It's Little league opening day, so it's all day for me-Opening ceremony and parade with my PeeWee team, then Sean is umping a game at 10, Joe's game is at 12, then Mac's game (my pee wees!) game is at 4. Honestly, did I need to do anything this weekend? No. I'm sure I didn't.

Have a great day!!

 

[Imprfctme]

My favorite little chickie!

That's awesome! I'm going to show the girls when they wake up.