Unsecure chicken perches

[kitbag]

Hi guys,

As some of you may know, I only have one chook left as my other two sadly died. I just need a bit of advice as to whether I am doing the right thing with Hilda, as she is very broody. We have some friends that keep chooks and a cockerel that have given us some eggs for her to sit on. Do you think there is a chance some of these (there are 4) might hatch? Also, are we doing the right thing for Hilda to let her just get on with being broody? When Gloria and Marigold were alive we would have stopped them being broody, but being a lone chicken we don't want her to feel lonely! We do make sure she gets out of the nesting box at least once a day to free range though. She does seem happy on her own, if anything, happier than when she had chicken company!

 

What do you guys think?

Megan

Xxx

[Mollie333]

If she is happy, i'd get her some fertile eggs!

Perfect company isn't it? Her own young?

 

Sorry to hear about the others. if you can't hatch then i think getting two more hens would be alot better, and let them free range together. Chickens are supposed to be sociable animals.

[Egluntyne]

I'd snap her out of it as it is rather late in the season now to be thinking about raising chicks, and broody hens lose condition and attract red mite so it isn't really in her best interests to remain broody. She will seem happier because she will be in the broody trance.

 

I'd get her a couple of companions.

[kitbag]

Oohh right! Thanks guys!

My dad is refusing to get any more chickens though - he thinks they are a pain. Do you think I should try and rehome her? I know someone that would gladly have her with their other hens. I just want what's best for Hilda to be honest! This would have to be the very last resort though as I don't feel ready to not have chickens if that makes sense.

 

Xxx

[Roobaloo]

If your Dad is against getting more hens, hatching is definitely not a good idea - as Egluntyne already said, it's getting late in the year so if it turns very cold suddenly, you may have to move them indoors. Also, if you have 4 eggs, there's a good chance that you may get at least two cockerels, potentially only cockerels....so you'd be left in the same boat anyway and have to rehome them.

 

You need to make it clear to your Dad that hens are social creatures and that it is cruel and unfair to keep her alone....but it would break your heart to get rid of her...

 

One more lil hen won't make any difference...!

 

If he is absolute on his opinion, it may well be better to rehome her.

 

...then guilt trip your Father for a few months!