And then there was one

[Crusty McPottydoodle]

So we lost one of our hens last night. I don't know what was wrong - I posted in emergency section yesterday, but was pretty sure she wouldn't last the day - sadly, I was right.

The problem now is that I have only 1 hen.

Will she be okay until Sunday when we will have the new coop built or should I arrange to get her some buddies right away?

The remaining hen seemed to be a bit under the weather last week too, but has since perked up.

I know a woman who has month old chicks available. If I were to get 3-4 of these chicks, will they likely integrate okay with a single full grown hen or should I try to get another full grown hen? I don't think I could bring more than 1 full grown hen in because I wouldn't want to risk Rosie getting picked on.

Thoughts?

 

[CMV]

Poor Rosie. I am on the fence in this instance. Normally I would say she should be alone for the next month during your new bird's/birds' quarantine period, so what's a couple more days? However, I am inclined to think that with so few birds involved I might skip the quarantine to keep the hen happy.

I can't offer any real sound advice on this one, so I am just wishing you good luck.

 

[Kittymomma]

I'd still quarantine.

Having lost one and not knowing why and with this hen's health in question.....I wouldn't want to risk her or the new ones so I think quarantine is even more important.

I think extra time and extra treats are in order for Rosie though.

Get started on the new ones sooner rather then later so she has some buddies as soon as it's safe. The month old chicks should be old enough to go in with her in a few weeks so that would work out.

Not sure what the weather is like where you're at so at 7-8 weeks old they still may need a light in the coop to keep warm, but if you get 4 or more of them I think Rosie wouldn't pick on any one of them too much, just go slow with the introductions.

Good luck, and I'm sorry for your loss.