2 chickens down - 1 left - socialization?

[gwennebrask]

We found two chickens dead yesterday morning. One survived the attack. The coop has been reinforced. We're just wondering what to do about the remaining hen: Thelma.

Does she need socialization with other birds immediately? Can we wait 4 weeks until the next chicken swap?

Should we cull her and start over fresh with three pullets?

Advice?

Thanks!

 

[J-Sanders]

Yes, she will not do well on her own for extended periods. But you should be able to make it to the next chicken swap. You can just spend more time with her yourself. She won't consider you great company but she will take pity upon you and help you through the loss of your other birds.

Sorry for your loss.

Jim

 

[real_redhead]

We had a similar situation, we had a dog attack and had one sole survivor. She did well on her own until we were able to get some more girls. She was very vocal for quite a while and she didn't like going into her coop at anytime but eventually got over it. My neighbors kept asking how many chickens you got back there...only 1 I would reply. She was so loud I knew she was upset and lonely. I did bring her in at night for a few nights after the attack since she was alone. She has adjusted well and now has 10 other hens to boss around. Good luck!

 

[mydadsjoy]

We, too, lost two to a predator - and had one hen left. She did alright as long as I went out and talked to her a couple of times a day. She survived for 4 months before a stray dog (totally different type of attack from the attack that took the other two) senselessly ran up into the yard and killed her. I was only in the house for a few minutes. Sigh. She had become my best bud - out there eating bugs n stuff that I'd turn up just for her. FAR more social than when she was with the other two. She was a leghorn - skittish thing. She began to let me pet her and hold her towards her end. Poor dear.

We had chicks on order - and were going to somehow introduce her to them. Not sure how that would have gone. I felt awful for her - and was trying to give her some birds of a feather to flock together with.

She'll be fine until the swap given a little TLC.

 

[gwennebrask]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. Any tips on introducing two pullets with this older, battered, hen?

 

[J-Sanders]

As she will be top o' the order due to age, there should not be any issues but it is always best to watch and see when you put them in the coop together.

Jim

 

[Deb B]

Sounds like your Thelma needs a Louise!