Evening all, about 6.30 there was a lot of cheeping coming from one of the chicks, it was the Orpington, it had got stuck to mamas under feathers - this happened 2 days ago is this a normal thing to happen? I de-attatched it which got mama disturbed and up revealing the little Bantam Orpington. I saw immediately that the little bantam Orpington chick wasn't right, it was back on its hocks and it seemed weary. I picked it up and it kept closeing it's eyes. I held it for the few minutes it took for the mama to settle on the grass, I thought it was going to die very soon but for now thought it best to return under her mama, it couldn't get under properly and I was worried about it sitting on the cold grass only partially covered with mama hen in it's sorry state so I ran round like a headless chicken myslef to organise the heat lamp until the mother hen went to bed, also worrying that it might not be strong enough to get out of her way quick enough. I set up the heat lamp, box etc. but the stupid lamp blew grrrr. The guy who I bought the chicks from at £10 each also sold me the lamp for £10 saying it was barely used, it was dusty but looks new to be fair what rotten luck right? So I put the mama hen to bed thinking it would be warmer in there with mama for the poorly one-she took herself and them to bed at 7pm last night anyway so not very early! The big chick ran after her and I popped the poorly one under her wing and bawled my eyes out
feeling sure it will be dead in the morning.
It has seemed further behind the other one physically in size, I know it's a bantam Orpie and the other is a regular one but it's literally 1/2 the size and doesn't seem to have grown in the few days I've had it unlike the other one. It also wasn't as fast and mobile but seemed to eat and drink well and I saw it scratch the grass earlier this morning where as the other one was doing that yesterday as soom as it came out-without even the mama hen showing it to. I felt there was a big difference between them but assumed it was size. The one I lost the day after getting them was the same a Bantam Orpie (the same batch I presume). What do I do other than hope for the unlikely? Is it unreasonable to ask the breeder to replace the chicks or at least one of them or is it tough luck?! And what about the brooder light, replace the bulb maybe?! I'd give it back but hope to get young chicks to bring on next year, not sure I can cope with the broody hen bit again, or has it been beginners BAD luck folks? I know she was a foster mum but she's been amazing at literally taking them 'under her wing' like they are her own, I feel certain she will accept new chicks 'hers' are 6 days old today.
Any help/advice/information welcome.