Caring for lone chook while her pal is broody

[Ladyknz]

I only have two chooks (I had a third but she died a couple of weeks ago) and now one has gone broody. I’m okay dealing with her but I’m worried about the health of my other girl, who is now effectively on her own. I’m doing my best to spend time with her, provide her with enrichment and she’s free range but I feel a bit guilty seeing her pacing the fence looking for me. She’s eating, laying and doing chicken things most of the time but we have a fairly long stretch ahead before she’ll have her buddy back. She’s an Orpington and very friendly.
Any suggestions?

 

[azygous]

Is your broody hen sitting on fertilized eggs?

 

[Ladyknz]

Yes, and so far doing really well.

 

[azygous]

Three weeks won't be forever. But, I would try to keep the other hen close by so both are aware of the other.

This could pay dividends when the chicks hatch. Having been close by during incubation, there's a better chance the hen's presence will be favorably tolerated by the broody.

There is even an outside chance the other hen will pick up "contact" broody hormones and may be interested in helping to care for the chicks.

 

[Ladyknz]

Three weeks won't be forever. But, I would try to keep the other hen close by so both are aware of the other.

This could pay dividends when the chicks hatch. Having been close by during incubation, there's a better chance the hen's presence will be favorably tolerated by the broody.

There is even an outside chance the other hen will pick up "contact" broody hormones and may be interested in helping to care for the chicks.

thank you. I’ve opened up the run of the broody hen’s coop so Gyrtle can visit. Hopefully that will help.

 

[CrazyCochin]

I only have two chooks (I had a third but she died a couple of weeks ago) and now one has gone broody. I’m okay dealing with her but I’m worried about the health of my other girl, who is now effectively on her own. I’m doing my best to spend time with her, provide her with enrichment and she’s free range but I feel a bit guilty seeing her pacing the fence looking for me. She’s eating, laying and doing chicken things most of the time but we have a fairly long stretch ahead before she’ll have her buddy back. She’s an Orpington and very friendly.
Any suggestions?

Do you have a litter box?
Poor thing, best wishes to her!

 

[CrazyCochin]

There is even an outside chance the other hen will pick up "contact" broody hormones and may be interested in helping to care for the chicks.

That's awesome, we have had a hen raise ducklings!
She is a great momma but was a little confused this time...

 

[Ladyknz]

Do you have a litter box?
Poor thing, best wishes to her!

they both have areas to dust bath, if that’s what you mean?

 

[Ladyknz]

That's awesome, we have had a hen raise ducklings!
She is a great momma but was a little confused this time...

Super cute!!