The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Floopy on September 20, 2013, 10:42:03 am
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Hello! So, doubts are mounting up as to whether the second egg in my incubator will hatch, so I'm potentially stuck with a lonely chick, which seems very sad.
I'm wondering if there happens to be anyone nearby who'd be willing to let me have some company for the little fluffybum? I'm planning to go to the Scottish Smallholder Festival next weekend, so maybe that could be used as a transaction venue.
Alternatively, I'm thinking of getting some more hatching eggs (apparently I've not learned my lesson yet), but that means three more weeks of loneliness, and will they even get on? Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Carmen
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I've raised a lone chick with a broody which seems fine. One on its own not so happy but I keep it in sight of others and it gets by.
Instead of hatching eggs and a 3 week wait, how about looking for day old chicks? If you don't mind a cockerel I'm sure loads of offers will come your way and you could always despatch him later on if you are that way inclined, but a mixed (unsexed) batch wouldn't be any different to what you were planning to hatch yourself and give the wee one a bit of company without waiting?
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Yes, that's what I was thinking, at this point I'd be happy having a couple more chicks so the wee one's not so alone. Aside from the fact that it's just not right, the little monster is making quite a racket if it gets no attention!
C
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where are you? east links family park near Haddington usually has chicks, not sure if they'll have any this late but they sold me a couple of day olds last year when same thing happened to me.
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Ah, excellent point, thanks! I'm in Edinburgh, tried East Coast Organics already, but couldn't get anyone... Will try East Links!
C
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Edinburgh Chickens may also be worth contacting, I doubt she will have any but she might have some contacts.
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We've bought black rock day olds from Renfrewshire (http://www.ralovett.co.uk/) before if that helps? I think they hatch every fortnight or so.
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shame, im not closer, i have 2 week old chicks but we are in South Aberdeen.
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Thanks All! I'm currently waiting to hear back from Gorgie City Farm, who had a bunch of chickens hatch the same day as mine, and may be able to let me have one, which is much more local than I expected... Fingers crossed!
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I have day-olds and a broody hen, going to slip them under this evening.
If you find you're stuck and your chick's unhappy I'm happy to add another chick to the clutch and you can come and pick it up in a couple of months?
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Thank you very much, but I'll get chicks from Gorgie on Tuesday, so that'll be great. The offer is much appreciated, though! :-)