Unsecure chicken perches

[Shelley]

The third of our four original chickens looks as if it will die tonight. If it does what to do with the fourth? Do they need companions or are they happy in their solitude? I won't be getting any more after this so really just advice on how to keep the single one happy

[jennym]

Sorry for your poorly hen.

 

Chickens are flock animals and generally don't like to be on their own - it's probably kinder to re-home her as soon as possible so she has friends.

[MaryKate]

I'm so sorry for you Shelley - it's so sad when you lose one of your little flock. We have lost three this year and are now left with just Bella and like you, do not plan to get any more after she goes. We originally had two and then one died of peritonitis when she was about 18 months old. So not wanting the other to be on her own, we got two more. Unfortuntely a fox got Roxy about a month ago and now we are down to just one again. It's really difficult to know what to do - yes they are flock birds and one would normally want them to have at least one companion. But, I really would suggest you wait a week or so and see how your lone bird manages. Bella was always bottom of the pecking order; always nervous of everything and everyone so we decided to give her some time on her own and not to make her have to fight for her place again with some new girls. She has been on her own for just over a month now and has become much more confident, eats out of our hand (can't pick her up yet - but getting closer) and gets to sleep in the nest every night! She doesn't seem to be fretting at all and is still laying which I think is a good sign that she is not distressed. A number of other folk replied to my same question - they have had lone girls and they have coped surprisingly well so .... maybe your girl will manage. I think if you can pay her a little extra attention and let her free range a fair bit, they forget they are on their own. Bella seems to think we are her flock now! I have to admit I hate thinking of her in the Eglu on a cold night all on her own but, as I said she does get the bed all to herself!! Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

MaryKate