Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[catriona]

Sadly one of our two chickens had to be put down yesterday after being taken very ill. As well as being very upset over that, we're worried about our remaining hen who is now all alone.

What are people's experiences of this? She is over 2 years old now and seems in good health, but I don't want to just get one new little chicken as our current one may pass on before long and then again I'd left with just one! Is it wiser to find a pair of young ones to introduce to her, so a least if she passes on before them, there are two left that are used to each other? And if so, how best to go about it? (I have read various pots about having them in a different run alongside to get them used to each other).

Also, how long should I leave the lonely one by herself before getting new ones - is it best to do it as soon as possible so she doesn't have too much time to be alone/get used to ruling the roost?

 

All advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you

Catriona

[Egghead68]

I'm sorry to hear about your chicken. Obviously if she had anything infectious you will need to disinfect thoroughly.

 

It's a good idea to get two. I would get them quite soon as ideally you will need to quarantine them before introducing them gradually to your hen.

 

In the meantime your remaining hen might appreciate extra human company.

[dancing cloud]

When I was left with one hen, I bought my current two to keep her company. They were 12 weeks old at the time and she was about two years old, and I got them the day after my previous girl died - rather quick, but it was that or leave Angel on her own for a couple of weeks till my next free day.

 

The newbies (Myrtle and Marguerite) went in the run for a week to let them get used to their new home and the big girl. Marguerite adored Angel from the start and used to run around the run following Angel's every move outside. After shouting at the newbies when they were separate and chasing them for a couple of days when they were put together, Angel also took to her new friends and they settled nicely together .

 

When Angel passed away, I was glad I'd gone for two and they are now the best of friends and totally inseparable - one chook with four legs !

[gongladosh]

Sorry to hear it, I'd say a couple of new girls, as old as you can get them (POL onwards), will make integration easier. Only real thing to mention is that assuming you're going for a normal breed (ie non-fancy breeds), just make sure that the new hens aren't pre-POL (otherwise violence will ensue!)