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[themoomin]

Hello! Looking for some advice pls - poor Chicken Korma died today for some reason of which we are unsure ...

 

We'd only had her since May 07, but she hadn't laid since well before Christmas when she started to moult so something must have been wrong ...

 

Anyway, is it best to introduce another hen soonish as poor Chicken Kiev is all alone now, or should we wait? Can banties and a big chook get on? If we get another, is it best to get 2 so if ones dies the others don't feel so bad?

 

Help.

 

Feeling like a very bad mother hen.

 

Kate

[Phosphorus]

Sorry to hear about Korma

 

I would say get another friend for her as soon as possible - chickens are sociable animals and need company.

 

I would also agree with getting two, easier to bring in two new girls than one that she might pick on until the pecking order is sorted out, two newbies will even things out. Also if the same should happen again you won't be left with just one

[lisaroo2]

So sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure its not your fault... I can't help with the introducing of new girls as I'm an inexperienced mum but I'm sure someone else with lots of knowledge will be along to pass on advice.

 

I'm sure that you're not a bad mum - these things happen and I bet she had a wonderful life with you.

[chelsea]

so sorry to hear the sad news.

 

I would get 2 more chicken friends as soon as you can for your lone chook. Chickens really do thrive when together as a flock so she wont be sad for long. Once you get some more friends she will become top chook!

[superjules]

Oh dear - poor you. Don't beat yourself up, I'm sure you are a fab chook mummy.

 

I've got bantams and big girls together, it can work. Introduce them carefully and give the bantams hiding areas that your big girl is too big to follow them into so they can get away from her if they need to.

[themoomin]

Thanks all, I think I feel a bit better now.

 

Chicken Kiev has always been the top bird, and apart frpm a brief broody period Autumn last year hasn't stopped laying or eating at all, AND she never moulted. So I'm hoping she'll be okay health-wise ...

[Abbey Road Girl]

Best of luck, moomin. I'm sure that you will end up with a happy flock.

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear your bad news.

 

I would get two more companions for Kiev. Three is more of a social unit and if the worst happens again you won't be left in the position of having a lonely hen.

[MedusA]

Sorry to hear about Korma.

 

I would also recommend getting two more. Although it will be easier than introducing one, still expect pecking order squabbles.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm so sorry to hear about poor Korma . I'm sure it was nothing you did.