Caring for a depressed chicken

[-Clementine-]

Last summer, I purchased two BCMs and a blue wyandotte from a local feed store. The blue wyandotte was named Berry, and the BCMs were Tufty and Coco, and they were best friends. The plan was to integrate them with another flock when they were old enough, and I did that. Even in the new flock, they stuck together like glue, foraged together, roosted together, and basically did everything together, like a mini flock of three birds. Tufty and Coco were very nice chickens, friendly and calm, while Berry was aggressive. But, a few weeks ago, an eagle attack took Tufty away. Tufty and Coco were avid layers, with almost an egg every day, but Coco hasn't layed since Tufty died, and she stopped foraging around as much. Berry, the once mean chicken, is now letting the new pullets, who are half her size, attack her. I'm worried now, I think they might be depressed. Has anyone else had this kind of issue? Is there any way to help them feel better?

 

[MistyandLuna]

I’m so sorry about that. Best thing to do is maybe give the chickens that were attached to the other chicken some extra attention. Maybe if the other chickens keep on attacking, it’d be best to separate them for awhile and give them some extra love. Wish you the best!

 

[Alaskan]

Stress is stressful....

Time should take care of it....

Except the bullying is a bit worrisome.

Try to figure out some change of management to alleviate that. So... extra feed and water stations, extra enrichment items like a pile of leaves or some hay, and lots of extra space.

 

[feather13]

We had a raccoon kill a chicken and severely injure another (who subsequently died) over the summer. The remaining two hens were really depressed for months and stopped laying eggs completely. We got twelve chicks who were ultimately integrated with the two hens and that really helped with the depression. They've since perked up and one has started laying again. So, yes, time and attention really helps. Good luck!

 

[-Clementine-]

We had a raccoon kill a chicken and severely injure another (who subsequently died) over the summer. The remaining two hens were really depressed for months and stopped laying eggs completely. We got twelve chicks who were ultimately integrated with the two hens and that really helped with the depression. They've since perked up and one has started laying again. So, yes, time and attention really helps. Good luck!

Thank you

 

[feather13]

@-Clementine- : How are your chickens doing now?