BIG QUESTION DO CHICKENS GET LONELY PR STRESSED

[Cakes dawhisper]

So as Im having problems with my flock I'm relocating some of them and I want to keep two of my hens do y'all think there going to get stressed if I only keep two ?.??

 

[akroberts1085]

They will know that there's less of them but it shouldn't stress them out. I think adding to the flock causes the stress because they have to figure out the pecking order and they act like they're not getting enough to eat.

 

[The Moonshiner]

Are those two best buddies or can barely stand each other?
Why only keep two? If you keep two and something happens and you lose one then you would definitely have one lonely hen.
Three would be better but then many people say three isn't good because it leaves one as the odd hen out.
Four sounds better. But then again if you have four you might as well make it an even half dozen.
OK I'm not gonna be much help here....

 

[CabritaChicks]

I think that- inevitable happens, and you don't want just one. So I think three is a better number.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You don't get guarantees with living animals and their behaviors. They are each individuals so you don't know how they will react.

I agree with keeping a minimum of three if you can.

I would expect any you keep to possibly be upset for a day or two. Chickens don't like change but they can be very adaptable. The pecking order has changed, they'll need to reset that. It may be extremely smooth or they may fight about it. In either case I'd expect them to quickly work things out and get on with life.