A lonely chicken - What to do.

[KateP]

Hi everyone!

I'm very new to this forum and I'm in desperate need of advice on my chook.

This morning, I had to make the very hard and painful decision to have one of my beloved ex battery hens put down due to illness. She's no longer in pain and I hope she enjoyed the 2 years she had as part of the family.

I now have one chicken left and I'm honestly stuck in a rut as to what to do. She's already sussed out her little friend isn't coming back and she hasn't eaten much of the food I have given her. Our local poultry vet suggested to bring her into the home and buy her a little hutch so she can go in that in the evening so she's among people.

Getting other chickens is not an option as she's an old chicken.

At this moment, I have my back door wide open with a plate of food by it so hopefully she may slowly become more confident in coming inside.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I've already lost one chicken today and I really want to make sure Bella is okay.

Kate.

 

[Rhandi74]

So sorry for your loss. I am we to chickens so I can not give advice but I will keep your beloved Bella in my prayers.

 

[BirdsOfAnarchy]

Why isn't adopting another bird an option? You could probably find an old hen online to be her new companion.

 

[KateP]

We seem to be getting a variety of different answers with regards to getting another chicken.

We've been told by a breeder not to get another chicken because she's old and will probably be picked on.

The poultry vet told us to get her a hutch/crate for the conservatory and keep her in there at night time and let her have the run of the garden in the day. She also emphasized not getting other chickens.

Many people on the internet at suggesting getting another chicken.

I don't know what to do!

 

[BirdsOfAnarchy]

Opinions are like ***holes, everyone's got one and they all stink.

But on that note here is my opinion: I'd adopt another hen. Find another retired layer online, one of the same breed or smaller.

 

[KateP]

I like that line! First laugh of the day!

Me and my mum just had a little brain wave. Our neighbours have recently lost a chicken and they are worried about how lonely their current chicken is because she is also on her own. We are going to have a little chat later and see how they feel about putting the two chickens together to keep each other company. Hopefully this will result in happy chickens leading to happy owners.

Fingers crossed!

 

[BirdsOfAnarchy]

That sounds like a great idea. Good luck!

 

[DeGarmom]

I agree with the masses of people suggesting finding another chicken to keep Bella company. Chickens are social creatures: they generally don't do well by themselves. I do know of one who was raised as a housepet by herself, but she was raised that way from day 1.

I wouldn't suggest putting her in with a BUNCH of birds. She would have to fight for her place in the pecking order, but with just one, any skirmish should be short lived.

 

[KateP]

What a bitter sweet day.

We decided that it was best to get Bella a friend and thankfully, a lady who lives locally was kind enough to give us one of her laying hens!

So I came home with Phoebe the chicken. She's really quirky and there was maybe one little peck from Bella to say she's the alpha hen and they have settled down and are getting on great. Bella is now eating well and drinking and she's just running around with lots of energy. There was no way she would carry on being on her own.

Thank you for all your advice! I will try post some pictures in the next few days!

Kate, Bella and Phoebe

 

[BirdsOfAnarchy]

Yay! So happy that worked out & Bella is eating again! Phoebe & Bella BFF. I'm sure they are both very relieved to have a friend again. Wonderful update.