Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[welovemarmite]

Its looking like chickpea won't make it, and lentil is doing well. No sign of any others hatching. So this is my next question... what happens if lentil is the only chick? I can't put it with the mum as she has not got a clue. Stupidly i hadnt contemplated a back up plan!

[jeshen]

Sorry to hear about Chickpea.

 

How old is Lentil? Probably best to buy another chick of about the same age to keep her company.

 

I've had a solitary chick this year but she's been with a broody mother, and I bought another chick when she was 7 weeks old and the mum returned to the flock. You could maybe get one (or more!!) earlier if she's in a brooder.... Might be best to wait to see what more experienced people have to say - this is my first year of hatching...!

 

Best of luck x

[Redwing]

Id also try to find it a buddy, try Acorn nurseries perhaps?

[Egluntyne]

Don't put it with adult hens ... they will in all probability kill it.

 

Find a chum for it, but be prepared for the fact that you may end up with 2 cockerels on your hands.

[welovemarmite]

i now have two chicks thankfully, and that looks like the total. THe first one we let go as it was not well, and then another hatched.The other four eggs dont seem to have done anything. I tried candling but wasnt having much success. I will leave them another couple of days and see what happens.

 

As for my chicks I have no idea what sex and will have to wait until they crow (or hopefully not). I have a black scots dumpy and a buff sussex bantam. If they do turn out to be cockerals then I will see if anyone wants them, if not then i have a man who will do the deed if need be (just not told him yet! ) but he is well known in the village for putting chickens out of their misery.