What should I do?

[KJV1611]

Background:

I have an established flock of 14 hens and 1 rooster. Ages range from nearly 3 years old to 1 year. Their coop is 10ft x 18ft, and their run is 20ft x 30 ft. I have their first coop (4ft x 8ft), that I built, in the middle of their run. I have not been free-ranging them due to the large amount of eagles and hawks in my area.

Current issue:

I typically buy chicks each year from TSC. But this year with all the flu and high prices, I thought I'd try my hand at hatching my own chicks. I put 8 fresh eggs in the incubator on February 20th. I had 1 chick hatch on March 11th. So far, I haven't had any other pips. And today is day 21. I know there is still time, but I'm pretty sure the chick that hatched is a rooster.

Now to the question:

Assuming that my lonely chick is the only one, and that it is in fact a roo, what would you folks on here suggest that I do with my setup? Should I make 2 separate flocks? Should I try to integrate the Cockerel into the flock? I don't think I have the heart to dispatch a perfectly healthy chick.

I know these kind of questions get asked a lot on here. But I would really like fellow chicken owners input.

 

[ChickenMama4667]

I think you might have to make a separate flock due to the amount of exsiting chickens you already have there might not be enough hens for 2 roosters to share. But that also depends on your flocks personality.
Might I add that your chick will also be very lonely if it is raised alone.

 

[MountainWoman73]

If he ends up alone I would buy one farm store chick to be his friend in the brooder and wait to see what happens. He and your rooster will get along fine until he's big enough to cause trouble, at which point he'll also be big enough to eat.

Or you could find someone else with chicks the same age to take him in.

I've had a lone chick do well with a broody hen to take care of him, but one doesn't do well on its own without a mom.

 

[KJV1611]

I think you might have to make a separate flock due to the amount of exsiting chickens you already have there might not be enough hens for 2 roosters to share. But that also depends on your flocks personality.
Might I add that your chick will also be very lonely if it is raised alone.

I am leaning heavy to the having 2 flocks side of the fence. Maybe giving a few of my established hens. Yeah, I really don't want to raise him alone though.

 

[KJV1611]

If he ends up alone I would buy one farm store chick to be his friend in the brooder and wait to see what happens. He and your rooster will get along fine until he's big enough to cause trouble, at which point he'll also be big enough to eat.

Or you could find someone else with chicks the same age to take him in.

I've had a lone chick do well with a broody hen to take care of him, but one doesn't do well on its own without a mom.

The problem is, the only store near me that sells chicks, that I know of, is TSC. And they have a 4 chick minimum. I may have to check to see if they even have any available. I don't know anyone near me with chickens. And none of my hens are broody at the moment. But if anyone in the southern Schuylkill County, PA area has chicks for sale, I'd love to know.

 

[MountainWoman73]

The problem is, the only store near me that sells chicks, that I know of, is TSC. And they have a 4 chick minimum. I may have to check to see if they even have any available. I don't know anyone near me with chickens. And none of my hens are broody at the moment. But if anyone in the southern Schuylkill County, PA area has chicks for sale, I'd love to know.

I don't know about your particular store, but I have had employees bend the 3 chick minimum rule at my store if I explain the situation or tell them I have chicks the same age. If you can convince them you know what you're doing sometimes they don't care. I don't know, maybe it's because the employees at my store are just kids and I used my teacher voice.

 

[KJV1611]

I don't know about your particular store, but I have had employees bend the 3 chick minimum rule at my store if I explain the situation or tell them I have chicks the same age. If you can convince them you know what you're doing sometimes they don't care. I don't know, maybe it's because the employees at my store are just kids and I used my teacher voice.

I'll have to give them a try. I feel really bad for the little booger. Thanks

 

[KJV1611]

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Did anyone suggest a mirror snd a stuffed toy for now? He/she's s cutie!

 

[KJV1611]

Did anyone suggest a mirror snd a stuffed toy for now? He/she's s cutie!

I have a stuffed owl in with them for now. I was thinking about a mirror too.