Single hen

[Nature Chick]

We have just got back from the vets after saying goodbye to White-tail who had developed a large tumour. She had a happy life with us after being rescued a few years ago.

The vet mentioned Marek's Disease and said that it could be the cause for the tumours as Blondie died of the same thing last summer. This has panicked us as we are now left with a lonely hen - Red has been shouting all weekend after White-tail took to her bed and I am worried that she won't be okay on her own.

Our worry is that if it is Marek's then we cannot get more hens or have someone adopt Red for fear of spreading the virus. I find it unlikely as I imagine they would have been vaccinated as chicks and they have shown no other symptoms in the time we have had them.

Can anyone advise on Mareck's or suggest what to do with our Red?

 

Thanks

x

[The Dogmother]

Most flocks have Marek's 'in the background' as it is a herpes virus, which lays dormant in their system. It only surfaces when they are poorly or their immune system is compromised. None of my pure breeds is vaccinated, and in the years I've had them only one had died of suspected Mareks's. I kept an eye on the rest of the flock and dosed them up with Citricidal and garlic powder; a couple of them looked a bit poorly, but they are all fine now.

 

Personally, I would go ahead and get a couple or three friends for your lonely girl.

[Guest]

what advice did your vet give you nature chick? you could always give them a ring to be on the safe side, if you're still concerned.

[Nature Chick]

Thanks for your replies

The vet was amazing and said that even if it is Marek's if we are adopting rescue hens that only live with us for 6 months it is large proportion of their lives so would be worth it.

I think that we will go ahead and get a friend for Red as yesterday we got home and she had leapt out of the enclosure and was hanging out with the collared doves! I think we will take a break from ex-bats for now as we are due to move later this year, not really sure where to start looking for another hen but I will try the internet later today.

 

Thanks again

x

[Cooks]

there is someone in the free to good home section looking for a home for her 'two' hens the intro's could be more difficult but I thought I would mention it.

 

I have been trying to get hold of my friend again as he was interested in two more, but I cannot seem to.

[atsw]

Our Fifi was on her own for a couple of months last autumn - she hated it and was clearly very lonely as she is an incredibly social bird. We didn't really want to get new girls during the winter, but we had a bit of a 'chickens of fate' moment last November and were offered two Buff Orpington's by friends who have a small breading flock. Fifi is now a very happy girl again. Introductions were very straight forward, Fifi was desperate for company, she was happy to accept new arrivals. All three were ranging together after day 4. I'm sure it won't be that easy next time, but we'll worry about that when the time comes!

 

What I would say, is get two new hens if you can. Should the worst happen and your existing girl passes on later in the year you'll be back to one hen again, something to avoid if you can.

 

andrew