kackness Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 Is it okay to keep a single hen by itself, or should they always live in a group? Our bantam used to have a partner, but the partner died a few months back. Any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 They really do need other birds hens around them as they are flock animals. Lone hens can get very depressed and the prozac bill alone will cost you a fortune! edit - just noticed your post about her not wanting to leave the eglu. This could be the start of depression. Chickens are natural foragers and should spend a large proportion of the day scratching around looking for food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 I agree....they need company. I would get two so that you are not left in the same situation again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Same opinion here. Get a couple more bantams - there is loads of room in the eglu and run for just three. And your lone hen will probably be so happy to have new friends that introductions should be very easy. Get a couple of pullets around 4-5 months old (if you can find any this time of year) - your girl will thank you for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 i was pondering this thought last year when my sam died leaving a lone Ella. After advice on here I got 3 more friends for her and she changed literally overnight from a sad mopey chook to a perky happy one. I would definitely recommend getting at least 2 pals for your lone chook. I think 3 hens are a good starting point then if one does die again you still have a pair. Of course if you have bantams you could always get more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 I have two bantams looking for a new home, as it happens, but it might be a long way for you to come if you are south of the river. They settled in well with my wyandotte bantie but then turned a bit aggressive when I tried to add my two new pekins. Things are improving now I have them housed in a separate ark, but I think it would be a bit cramped and stressful with all 5 of them in the eglu run so they have to go, regrettably Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm200 Posted March 26, 2008 Share Posted March 26, 2008 Hi I agree with the others that you should get her some friends. She must be very lonely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kackness Posted March 30, 2008 Author Share Posted March 30, 2008 Thanks everyone. We know a few people around here who have bantams, so finding some companions shouldn't be too hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 Good news, hope she perks up soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzy Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 When Bracken our grey bantem became a lone hen, she seemed to cope well but she looked so lonely pecking about the garden on her own and so we got the two Light Sussex to keep her company. To be honest I haven't seen much change in her behaviour but at least she has a couple of friends to share her garden. She still goes to bed in her own house even though she could share Gert and Daisy's house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kackness Posted April 12, 2008 Author Share Posted April 12, 2008 Just to let you know that we got a partner for our bantam and now she's back to her old self kickin and scratchin around happily. We're going to take your advice and get at least one more to keep her company. Thanks for your help everybody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Just to let you know that we got a partner for our bantam and now she's back to her old self kickin and scratchin around happily. We're going to take your advice and get at least one more to keep her company. Thanks for your help everybody. Thats great news! you almost notice a change in their behaviour immediately dont you? she'll be a lot perkier now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzy Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Bracken continues to keep Gert and Daisy in order. It is so amusing to watch because she is such a little hen and they are huge (standard) Sussex Lights. Every now and then she gives them a peck on the head if they get out of line. It is like watching a mum with her two wayward daughters, even though they are not related. We are getting between 2 and 3 eggs daily now which is wonderful. I gave some to my neighbour in the week and she was thrilled. There are few things that can beat a true free range egg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 That's really good news Kackness. Any pics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
