Can I have a larger hen with my pet bantam?

[MacLeod]

4 years ago, I inherited 2 pet bantams, a d'uccle and a cochin, when a friend moved. This morning I was extremely upset to find "Gracie", my cochin girl dead - she was about 7 y.o. - (in a predator proof pen). The 2 girls had always been together and when one would go in the house to lay, the other would go in and just sit by her. They seemed very bonded. 2 questions please: If the d'uccle seems 'ok', is it a problem (for the hen) to have just one hen with no companions? If it is recommended I get her a companion, would it be ok to get a regular-size hen? I've always wanted buff orpingtons. Obviously, I don't have a backyard flock, but just pets. (I am a big softie when it comes to animals). I did not previously have chickens, so it was a fast learning curve when I got these 2. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[chicknmania]

She would be happier with a friend, or two. You can get a bigger hen if you want to, but no matter what you get, you should keep it quarantined for three to four weeks, and away from the other hen. After a couple of weeks, if the new hen seems healthy, you can move her near enough to your existing hen, (but keep the new hen confined) so that they are aware of each other. That way they become gradually used to each other. When you do finally let the two meet, just stay close for a few days, so you can see how they interact, and then just kind of go from there. Most chickens live to be about 7 years old although there are exceptions. Some live into their teens. We have a mixed flock, and have some bantams and some big chickens, too. They get along fine. Last night our smallest hen was cuddled under one of our Speckled Sussex hens, to stay warm, It was cute to see.

 

[MacLeod]

She would be happier with a friend, or two. You can get a bigger hen if you want to, but no matter what you get, you should keep it quarantined for three to four weeks, and away from the other hen. After a couple of weeks, if the new hen seems healthy, you can move her near enough to your existing hen, (but keep the new hen confined) so that they are aware of each other. That way they become gradually used to each other. When you do finally let the two meet, just stay close for a few days, so you can see how they interact, and then just kind of go from there. Most chickens live to be about 7 years old although there are exceptions. Some live into their teens. We have a mixed flock, and have some bantams and some big chickens, too. They get along fine. Last night our smallest hen was cuddled under one of our Speckled Sussex hens, to stay warm, It was cute to see.

Thank you so much for your quick response! I would have loved to see your little hen cuddled with the Sussex. I'm still a little 'raw' from losing Gracie. We have other pets, but didn't realize I could get so attached to 2 little hens.

 

[chicknmania]

Of course you do. They are pets, too. I hope you can find some new one (s) to love soon. I've had my heart broken a lot of times by ours, over the years.

 

[MillersFarm]

Chickens are flock animals and Need each other. And though I strongly recommend getting another bantam or two for her If you do get a 'Larger' Chicken I'd buy two or 3 (Just in case something happens) day old chicks and introduce them at a young age to your bantam so they learn who's boss. If you were to introduce a large fully grown chicken (Like an orpington) It'll end up most likely picking on the smaller hen.

 

[chicknmania]

That's true I was going to suggest two or three chicks too, although, they might band together and exclude the older hen, you'll just have to see how it works out, they'll figure it out over time,most likely .

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your existing hen will not bond with new birds unless she raises them herself from chicks. Often there can be aggression when adding another bird. I would not get a large breed hen for a d'uccle. They will not cuddle. You hen does need companionship, but it isn't as easy as adding another bird.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us So sorry for your loss

 

[chicknmania]

Your existing hen will not bond with new birds unless she raises them herself from chicks. Often there can be aggression when adding another bird. I would not get a large breed hen for a d'uccle. They will not cuddle. You hen does need companionship, but it isn't as easy as adding another bird.

That is not necessarily true. They might bond, they might not. If you introduce them slowly, in the way I described before, you might be able to get them to be at least compatible with each other. I've done it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That is not necessarily true. They might bond, they might not. If you introduce them slowly, in the way I described before, you might be able to get them to be at least compatible with each other. I've done it.

I did mean it can take some time to do it and isn't as simple as putting them together. Sometimes there's serious aggression, and sometimes birds never get along. I just wanted the OP to be aware that it isn't always easy, or successful, and it can take some time before birds accept a new member, months many times. We always hope for things to work out, but need to be prepared that they may not.