carosparrow Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I have one chicken left after 2 sad losses of rescued battery hens. Does anyone have experience of keeping a hen on its own? I will be getting more but this depends on the next rescue dates. I don't know if chickens are happy being on their own? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I've been told chooks are social animals and twice now I've been left with a girly on her own. First time I popped her in with some smaller girls and she settled pretty well - she'd been close to her mate and she did pine; bit upsetting really - she sat on me for the one and only time and she moaned; you could tell she wasn't a happy bird. 2nd time it was through illness and I couldn't combine the singleton for a couple of weeks as she had to be kept isolated. She'd lost her sister and she did pace the run all day every day. When I let her out I have to say she was dispirited and its taking a while for her to regain her sparkle. So, I would say watch your girl and gauge her mood. If she shows signs of moping then get her some friends (2 to be on the safe side! Hope it works out for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 She will be lonely without company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 Definately get some friends. She will be very lonely and may go a little bit doolally (sp?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 If there's no rescue soon, you could always ask your co-ordinator if they have any "poorlies" that are ready for a new home. Sometimes hens aren't well enough for the inital distribution and are kept until they perk up a bit. Worth enquiring? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 and people sometimes have to rehome, In the meantime you will have to be her pal. I had one that was bullied & she choose to be with us, but even still liked to be with or near the others for preening and bathing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 I was in the same predicament last year with a lone chook. Ella was so miserable and sat on our kitchen mat for days pining for her pal Sam We went out and got her 3 new pals and she was like a different chicken - perky, active and she became top chook of the flock, and was happy again. I would recommend getting 2 new friends for your lone chook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 when we lost 2, the remaining 2 clearly knew they were missing, and made a definite beeline to be as close as they could the new 6.... despite the odd bit of pecking etc, they are much happier as a flock it seems to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
