Are chickens social?

[Nina Bee]

Had 3 chickens at the start of winter. One passed we think due to below freezing temps. We just lost our second about 3 weeks ago, we think a hawk got her. Now our one and only seems a bit off. Almost depressed. She isn't laying. doesn't go in her coop at night, and is hanging out on our deck instead of grazing all day. We can't get any new chicks for a while because we are in the middle of a move. Is she lonely? Will she survive? She's acting really bizarre and I'm worried.

 

[feedman77]

She is depressed and lonely.
Will she survive yes.
Would she be better with company yes I believe so.

If possible could you find another adult hen instead of chicks to give her company

 

[LoveDatChickenLife]

I do have a rooster I’m looking to get rid of. But I’m afraid if you only have a rooster one hen then he would pick on her too much...

 

[Frazzemrat1]

In a word, Yes. They are very social. Your chicken is lonely. You need to get her some pals. If you get chicks, make sure to brood them separately and then integrate them when they are older, as you won't be able to put chicks in with her. She'll probably kill them.

 

[LoveDatChickenLife]

In a word, Yes. They are very social. Your chicken is lonely. You need to get her some pals. If you get chicks, make sure to brood them separately and then integrate them when they are older, as you won't be able to put chicks in with her. She'll probably kill them.

Yes she would kill them from pecking order, and also sometimes they peck each out of pure boredom.

 

[m1chelle1]

Poor baby! Yes, im sure she is very lonely and sad that she has lost her family. Chickens are VERY social and they like to be a part of a flock, I would highly recommend getting her some adult hens as some company. Id read up on this site about integration, there is a safe way to do this. Let me see if I can find any articles or threads for you.

Good Luck

 

[m1chelle1]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flock-integration.1188631/#post-18775995

This thread seemed to have the best info, but you can use the search tool in case you want to look up additional info. It works pretty well

 

[KentuckyRooster]

Yes they are very social critters.