Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[Bubble1379]

We had 2 hens and one started moulting very badly over Christmas. We kept an eye on her and saw that her feathers were growing back and she seemed quite happy so didn't worry too much. Then three days ago she didn't come out of the eglu when I opened the door in the morning and she died - suddenly - a few hours later.

 

Obviously, this was really upsetting and I am worried that we don't know why this happened.

 

But we are also worried that the hen that is left behind may be lonely - do hens mind living on their own? She does look very healthy, by the way.

 

There was a sticky on this site which gave advice about how to introduce new hens and we will do this - but just wondering if we should do this sooner rather than later?

 

Any advice welcome.

[Redwing]

Hens do need company yes but they can easily cope with a short time living alone, it wont do her any harm but you wouldnt want to keep her on her own forever

[Space Chick]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

 

In answer to your question - Yes, Hens do get lonely. They are flock creatures and need the company of their kind.

 

I would suggest that you need to get your girl a new friend or two as quickly as possible.

 

Sorry to hear about the girl you lost

[Bubble1379]

Thanks for such speedy replies.

 

I think we will get a couple more hens fairly quickly and introduce them gradually as advised but still a bit worried why we don't know why the other one died so quickly.

[chick wiggle]

So sorry to hear about you losing one of your hens

Yes, they do get lonely so yes, i would get another couple to keep her company.

Unfortunately there does seem to be a disease called 'one of those things' which we have all suffered from from time to time. There could be an underlying problem but without a post-op we wouldnt know. So dont blame yourself or worry too much especially as your other girl seems fine.

Let us know how you get on

[Bubble1379]

Thank you for all the replies.

 

Chick Wiggle - I do think that Polly did die from 'one of those things' and we're happy that the other one (Charlie) seems perfectly well - v sad though. Thanks anyway.

[emchook]

oh what a shame ! Good luck with getting some newbies and with the introductions.

[PeckyBeak]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

How long had you had Polly and Charlie, were they quite young?

We had bought 2 newbies end of October, Scarlet and Princess, and were keeping them separate from the big girls. In only 4 weeks, after several vet trips, it was confimed as I feared that Scarlet had Mareks disease and had to be PTS.

Princess was distraught and cried and cried. She was too young to integrate, and so was on her own in her eglu. I couldn't bear it that she was alone at night and had no one to talk to in the day. She seemed really sad.

So 4 days later we got one new girl 17 weeks old and put her straight in with Princess. A bit of a risk, but it worked.

Hope you find her a companion soon.

[serpil]

Hi

 

I would appreciate some advice please. I have just the one Rhode Island Red left, originally started with 4 and gradually over the years they have died, the most recent being about 2 months ago. The remaining hen would be coming up to 5 years old (they were rescue hens). I am not sure at this late age whether it would be wise to get her a companion, she does look a bit lost and lonely. She seemed OK at first but since the cold weather she has not been eating as much and does not seem as perky. I did really want to have a break from keeping chickens for a short while hence my hesitation. Do you think she will be OK on her own?

 

Any advice you have would be appreciated.

 

SB

[Tweety]

Sorry to hear about your lonely girl - she is a fantastic age though. It sounds as if she would benefit from having some company, and it seems as if rehoming her is the only option if you want to have a break from keeping chickens. Where do you live? Do you know anyone who keeps chickens who might be prepared to give her a home where you could visit her?

I often wonder what I will do when I get down to one hen, as will inevitably happen, and although it would be sad I would want to do what's best for a lonely hen.

 

I hope you find a happy solution to your problem

[Chortle Chook]

How about taking on two younger but not baby hens of a similar colour to your old one (they do seem to notice colour) and then when your older one goes you could re-home the younger pair together? That might be best for all. Company and additional warmth for your old one through this very cold winter, and easier for the remaining two to go together when you want to part with them and have a break. Just a thought.