My mam just ran me to tell me one of their hens has died. It has 1 surviving chick of 2 hours old!

They have brought it in the house with them. They have put it in a box with a covered hot water bottle.

My dad said hes gona get an incubator tomorrow. He has other broody hens who are sitting on eggs but they are not ready to hatch. Would the hens "foster" the orphan chick?

They have chick crumb but it wont eat. It this normal? What shud they do to give it a good chance? Any advice would be great, THANKS.xx

Chicks need over head heat so an infrared heat lamp is needed. Chicks will eat crumb readily from 24 hours after hatching but they wont eat if not warm enough. Your broody`s might foster it if they are very close to hatching their brood.

__________________
Microchip implanter and implanter trainer. Cats, dogs, horses etc....stressfree and only £10.
Puddleglum British Shorthairs bred for quality, type, temperament and without compromise.

So how did the chick do?

Out of interest! question to the person who replied!

If desperate would a could of spotlights made do short term (in an emergency) as they do chuck out a fair bit of heat?

Just curious??

Yes a spotlight would help but make sure the chick can get away from the heat. A lamp is always best on 1 half of the brooder so the chick can move under or away from the heat. We always place the water drinker away from the heat lamp as any splashes will cause the lamp to shatter.

__________________
Microchip implanter and implanter trainer. Cats, dogs, horses etc....stressfree and only £10.
Puddleglum British Shorthairs bred for quality, type, temperament and without compromise.

Thankyou for all your replies! The chick is doing well. Its a lovely little thing! Don't they grow quick tho!! My parents named it "chicken crumbs" Its living with a foster mum and thriving nicely. Sorry for calling it IT but dont know the sex yet.

Thanks again,
Jacqueline.x