4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[BooBoo]

At the weekend Rosie died leaving just Ruby on her own.

 

Following Rosie's death (including a rather grusome attack by Ruby ) I am not sure whether I want any more chickens, so I am reluctant to buy her a new friend. Is it unfair on Ruby to keep her on her own? Should I try and rehome her - I would rather not, but they are flock animals?

 

Your thoughts are appreciated.....

[alih]

They are flock animals and poor Ruby will be very lonely on her own. SAd news about her friend but don't let it put you off - one of my first 2 chickens died after only 3 weeks so I bought a new friend for my lonely one and they became excellent friends immediately....hope it works out

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm so sorry to hear that . It must be so difficult when one chicken causes another's death . She'll definitely need a friend but I take it you're worried it may happen again? Perhaps if you got 2 new girls, she'd be outnumbered and less likely to be top chicken?

[Egluntyne]

I agree...she will be lonely on her own. A couple of friends to play with will cheer her up as they are social ceatures.

 

Edited to say..........in view of what happened between Ruby and poor Rosie, it might be worth considering putting a bumpa bit on Ruby,if you do get some new hens, to be on the safe side.

Edited February 4, 2009 by Guest

[Abbey Road Girl]

I wouldn't want to go against the combined advice of the forum (much less Egluntine the Wise), but in my ignorance I once did keep a lone chicken who seemed perfectly happy.

 

My teen-aged son brought home two young hens (Heckle and Jeckle) and only one survived--never knew if it was Heckle or Jeckle, but it seemed very happy to have a big garden to scratch around in. I have fond memories of seeing her jumping up in the air to catch flying insects. Actually, for the first time in decades, it's occurred to me that "she" never laid any eggs. But then "she" never crowed either!

 

Well, all this was when I lived in the environs of LA, complete with swimming pool. And LA is decidedly strange...

[poachedegg]

Sorry about Rosie - I agree that if you are not to rehome her, then a couple more additions would be best.