Unsecure chicken perches

[EileenH]

I`m afraid that Ginger, my four year old Gingernut Ranger, died this morning. She`s not been herself for a week or two but the vet couldn`t find anything specific.

My other hen, Beauty, is just walking around looking lost. I`ve given the eglu a really good scrub with disinfectant in case there was anything infectious but Beauty looks physically fine - just bemused.

The thing is - we aren`t going to have any more hens so Beauty will be on her own. How much of a problem will this be, do you think? Is there anything we can do to make things easier for her?

It`s all very sad.

[Olly]

I'm sorry to hear about Ginger. That was a good age for a hybrid hen. Hens really do like and need the company of other hens, and the best advice always has to be to get a couple more to keep Beauty company. That said, there are a few people on here who report that they have kept a lone hen without too many problems - she will need lots of attention from you.

 

Is Beauty a similar age to Ginger? because if so, then sad to say it but she is also quite old, and it might actually be kinder to keep her on her own than to put her through the stress of trying to adjust to new hens.

[Mr Rhode Island Red]

So sorry for your loss RIP Ginger

 

Chickens aren't solitary animals, and do like company. So what I would personally reccomend is that you let Beauty get over her loss and return to normal, and then consider getting another hen or two to keep her company.

 

Best wishes,

 

Mr Rhode Island Red

[Tweety]

I'm very sorry about Ginger, and I think Olly is right - although chickens are flock creatures and usually don't do well on their own, if Beauty is the same age as Ginger, it might be kinder to keep her on her own.

The only alternative I can think of, if you don't want any more chickens, is perhaps to rehome her, but it may be very stressful for her.

[lindafw]

So sad to loose an old friend give your remaining girl lots of attention and wait and see how she copes...whilst hens are a flock animal if you don't want to continue with hen keeping getting her companions will only leave you with the same situation again...so see how she settles

[EileenH]

Thank you so much for the messages of sympathy and advice. We have decided that we must regretfully give up chickens due to increasing disability. They`ve been lovely pets with their own personalities. It`s only the first day and we shall give Beauty lots of attention and hope for the best.

Thank you again.