Chicken bald back

[AlisonH]

We lost Lottie today to egg peritonitis. Charlie is now left lonely and has stayed much of the day in her coop. I want to get some more hens and where I get them from have some ready in 3 weeks time. Is that too long to leave Charlie on her own? Should I try and find some sooner?

[merlina]

I think it's more important to make sure you get good hens from a reputable person - if that means waiting 3 weeks, then that's what I'd do.

[Chickabee]

Poor all of you will Charlie free range. I find mine don't mind being on their own if they are out

[AlisonH]

Yes she free ranges but was just sat in one corner of the garden looking very miserable. It's so sad to see her like that, I hope she perks up as it will be a long 3 week wait.

[Chickabee]

Oh that's sad. Do you know anyone that could lone you a chicken? Even better one that looks like Lottie I would if I was nearby

[AlisonH]

Nice idea but not sure it's practical.

[mimi5]

Sorry to hear about Lottie RIP Lottie

 

I have a really naughty bully on her own at the moment She is just over second week alone but seem fine, just keeps inside the coop a bit. Eating, drinking etc and comes out to chat to me I think if you can manage to give her some TLC she should manage the 3 weeks, but of course you know your girlie!

 

I felt bad for Polly yesterday, so thought she could go out with her sister (she had plucked out most of her tail!) and others she was immediately after them again!!!! Ah well, chickens.....always something to worry about

 

Best wishes whatever you decide

[doctors girls]

she should be ok for a couple of weeks i lost 2 out of my 3 girls last may and then early june but with holidays and other things planned i could not get any new arrivals till mid july so mine was left on her own for 5 weeks and to be honest i think she loved it

[AlisonH]

Thank you, that makes me feel a lot better. Charlie has been in the coop most of the morning but I've been outside this afternoon and she came out into the garden. She doesn't seem to want to eat though which is a worry, I hope its because its still only early days.

I tempted her with a few sultanas but I don't know if it's best to give her treats to make her eat - even the mealworms didn't get eaten, or whether to let her eat her normal pellets when she's ready.

[Chickabee]

Hopefully her instincts will take over, they don't starve themselves. It's easy for me to say, but try not to fuss, just carry on as normal. Try no treats at all, just leave her to it. Normal routine. That's what she's used to. You change your behavior, she will wonder why? Good luck

[AlisonH]

Thank you Chickabee, you're right. Before reading your post I made the mistake of putting a pot of food inside the coop as I thought she would eat inside if she didn't want come out. Charlie went mad and refused to go into the coop for ages after that.

 

Today she has been out much more and I have just had food available as usual, no treats. She had a good dust bath under the yucca and has been wandering around the garden rather than hiding in the bushes. She has also been spotted eating and drinking a little. I feel a lot happier than I did although it's still early days. Roll on when I can get some new girls!

[KimmyCustard]

One of my hybrids was alone for 4 weeks before my ex-batts became available and she was fine! She wandered about a bit on her own to begin with but I kept her company as much as I could when I was at home, left treats (piece of sweetcorn) hanging in the run when I was at work and put some straw under the Cube with mealworms hidden in to keep her occupied. I was worried she would be cold in the Cube alone but she slept in the nestbox and seemed warm enough, even during frosty nights.

 

The ex-batts arrived and she still looks at me now as if to say "Who are this lot and when are they leaving??!"

 

She will be fine, dont worry, you are doing all the right things and the chaos will begin once the newbies arrive!

[Chortle Chook]

You may be surprised when Charlie doesn't welcome the newcomers with open arms