Advice for a lonely hen?

[MelkEyes]

I have been keeping chickens for years. A couple weeks ago I lost two hens to predators, I have four left but it seems one is eggbound right now so I'm doing everything I can to treat her. (I have had a hen be eggbound before and she eventually passed her egg) Here is my problem, I'm not really willing to get more chickens again, I have had other hens die in the past (mostly from old age) and have had to get the survivors more friends. My question is what should I do if the others pass as well and I am only left with one hen because all the others died before her? I really don't want any of my hens to be sad or lonely but I can't bring myself to start a whole new flock after dealing with all this death especially since most of my hens are older at this point so I'd be scared they would pass soon after I brought in new friends anyhow. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated I'm really struggling with this so please be kind

 

[sourland]

Provide a large mirror so that she can see and 'talk' to herself when you get to that point.

 

[Ladies in Red]

I was hoping to see some answers! I'm in exactly the same situation and my lone girl had been alone a couple of months now. I let the last one die at home so she knew what was happening (she died of old age, not in pain). She had been ok so far. I've heard a few stories of people getting younger hens that then bully the older one, and I couldn't risk that, and like you, I need a break from chickens as we'll move house. My worry at the moment is keeping her warm at night! However, I give her treats a few times a day, and I make sure she has routine. I was so worried, and I do still worry, but I have no evidence that she isn't perfectly happy as she is well and perky (except the weather is horrid). I don't know if it's a solution long term, I'm just taking it as it comes. I won't rehome her as she's old and on expensive meds (hormones to stop her laying which I can't stop), so if she appears unhappy I'm not sure what I'll do. Meanwhile she seems fine so I hope that gives you a sliver of relief.