Does a baby chicken need to be with other baby chickens in order to live? (could it die from being lonely)?

Question

Ok, today one of my hens hatched a baby chick; now this is rather normal, were used to chicks hatching and then raising them safely in our house (giving them warmth, food, water). But this is the first time only 1 has hatched and I wanted to know if being by itself could cause any health problems for it? Like because it has no companionship could that cause it to "die from loneliness"?

And if it could, does anyone have any suggestions for how I could keep the chick from feeling lonely?

I know this might seem like a silly question but I just don't want anything to happen to the little thing :(

Answer 1

If you leave the chick with the hen it should be okay, but if you want to raise it inside you will need to find company for it.  I've found it doesn't matter much if it is more chicks, ducklings, or guinea keets.  They just need company.  If I only have one chick and no available litter-mates, I'll usually carry it around with me so it has company and if I can't do that I'll place a feather duster in the pen with it.  The feather duster hangs from the top of the cage on a string to about 1" above the floor of the cage.  The baby chick thinks it's a mama bird and hides in the feathers.  They are really soothed by this.

Answer 2

WOW take braburnes advice...very good to know. good luck!

Answer 3

YES!!! get at least two other chicks of the same age as soon as possible! chickens are meant to live in groups and although it sounds silly they can die from being alone. get more chicks soon buy them if you must