4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[catherinej]

Only one of my eggs has hatched - will the chick be ok on it's own or should I buy a few to keep it company? It was hatched under a broody if that helps.

[The Dogmother]

If it has a mummy it will be OK. You may have trouble introducing other chicks at this stage, but you could try it at night.

[Lewis]

If you can get day old chicks I'd think its a good idea .

 

At about 6/8 weeks the hen will want to get away from it and re-integrate into the flock, then you'll have to wait a few more weeks to introduce the chick to the rest of the flock and it would be easier to introduce 2 or more chicks in with the rest, rather than one on its own.

[catherinej]

Thanks for the advice. The only problem now is that she's abandoned the eggs! I read that other people have taken the eggs and replaced them with chicks but I can't do this now! Would it be ok if I just popped the new chicks under her at night? Other alternative would be to wait until the chick is 6 weeks and when mum leaves her get some 6 week old chicks???

[atsw]

Broody chickens instinctively know when to give up on eggs. Now she has a chick she'll put her energies into looking after the off-spring and abandon the remaining eggs. All perfectly normal behaviour. If you can get some 1-day old chicks this weekend it should be OK to pop them under her on Saturday night. You must do it late at night, under cover of darkness, that way mum will be dozy and not realise what is going on at the time. In the morning she should awake and accept the new arrivals. I say should, there is a risk she'll reject the newbies, so be up early yourself next morning to check on them all.

 

I had to do a similar thing about three weeks ago. The story is here. It all went very well at the time and they are now fully integrated with their adopted mum. Pictures available from the link in my signature.

 

Andrew

[catherinej]

Ok, will try to find some day old chicks. Anyone know anywhere near Nottingham that I might be able to get some? Is there a chance that she may also reject the existing chick? I would be perfectly happy with just the one but I don't what her to be lonely once mummy leaves the nest at 6/8 weeks! Thanks