Do hens grieve

Date sort Score sort
MaznGaz

MaznGaz

Hatching
Mar 20, 2015
1
0
7
We have just lost one of our Blue Delawares and her companion is missing her like crazy (I think). Mega2 had a cyst that impeded her eating as it had grown inside as well as being very visible outside under her beak. Mega 1 is obviously now very lonely, is there anything that I can do for her? She is plucking out feathers from under her wind which concerns me.
 
Hi!
frow.gif
Welcome! I wish it was under better circumstances. I'm terribly sorry for your loss of Mega 2. Chickens don't ponder or grieve like we do, but they are quite social and do form very strong bonds. I suggest possibly a treat ball, an ear of cooked sweet corn, things like that to occupy her time? Also I would search for a couple docile new friends for her. You can check the thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=in+need+of+rehoming
Or if you type in your location in the search bar, you can shout out to neighbors in your area.
You might ask at feed stores as well. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted.
 
welcome-byc.gif


I'm sorry for your loss. Mutt Farm has given you some good ideas to try. Chickens don't initially handle change very well (at least mine don't) but they do seem to get used to things quickly, hopefully your girl will be ok soon.

Thanks for joining us!
 
Hi :welcome

Glad you could join the flock! I'm very sorry to read about the loss of Mega2 :hugs It's always very sad when a flock members is lost both for the keeper and remaining flock members. I believe they do grieve amd have certainly seen this myself within my own flock. Mutt has left you some good advice on getting a new friend for Mega1. You might also like to check out this article ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/do-poultry-actually-mourn-over-the-loss-of-a-flock-mate
It's a very good insight into the loss of flock members.

Wishing you the very best of luck in the future and enjoy BYC :frow
 
Did you only have the two chickens? If so it's probably not so much grieving as stressing she is on her own as they are very much flock birds and don't do well alone. You might need to look into getting her a companion.
 
They do grieve, my friend's older special needs house rooster just passed at about 5 yrs. old. She did let the 3 house hens view the body. They have been very quiet since.
I think the best thing to do is give you things to keep her busy, and if she is a cuddly type - give her some extra hugs.
 

Similar threads

Sky_Chickens
Dead Silkie Hen
2
Replies
16
Views
308
BigBlueHen53
BigBlueHen53
B
Hen is plucking out her feathers
Replies
3
Views
236
Joanne Fredrich
J
CHlCKEN
    • Sad
Sudden death and concern
Replies
7
Views
463
CHlCKEN
CHlCKEN
Chicks in VA
Blinded hen, swollen head, no idea what to do ,any advice is helpful.
Replies
7
Views
358
Chicks in VA
Chicks in VA
Jmcintosh23
Is my Pekin dying?
2
Replies
12
Views
625
Thunder1961
Thunder1961

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom