Chicken behavior question

[Robertbrown]

We had 2 Serama hens and 4 hawks, now we have 1 serama hen and 4 hawks. The Hawks seem to congragate at the neighbors property in a grove of live oaks. Since they aren't going anywhere. I am relunctant to replace the hen.
After seeing these hens elude the hawks several times, I had foolishly come to the conclusion that I could avoid losing chickens by placing a hord of various obstacles in the garden to tilt the board in favor of the Seramas:/. I was thinking that because the breed is young they would still have some good "predator instincts", so I gave them plenty of hiding places.
My question is this; Is this lone hen going to suffer from the lack of a companion or a flock to hang out with? Is keeping a lone hen a poor practice?
Egg production has drop by 80 percent since the abduction and consequent murder.
Your thoughts please.
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[chicklover16]

I'm so sorry that you lost your girl

I don't recommend keeping a hen by it self, however it can and has been done. If you do decide to keep her alone just be sure to spend a lot of time with her so she doesn't get lonely, you can also give her a mirror so that she can make friends with her reflection. I hope it works out for you.

 

[Robertbrown]

Thanks for your suggestion

 

[epeloquin]

Sorry about the loss of your girl.

I am actually interested in anoother part of your post...the live oaks. I am actually reading a book about the formation of our Navy and one of the things that set our early frigates apart was the use of Live Oak. It is what gave USS Constitution the nickname "Old Ironsides".

Is there any possibility that you could take a pic of one and either post it or send it to me?

 

[daydreamer92]

How about getting a small chicken tractor so you can build up your small flock again without worrying about hawks? That's what I'd do.

Hen will be happy, you'll get eggs, you can still move them around to get fresh grass.

 

[Robertbrown]

Quote:
You can use google images and see lots of live oaks. I will take some pics and send them but i think you will have to PM me with an email address. The wood is extremely hard, an ax will bounce off of a large green log when trying to split a piece.
It's very strong but it does rot easily so I don't know how good it would be for boat building, you have to keep it dry or replace it often. Oak trees are typically used in the cultivation and propagation of mushrooms.

 

[Robertbrown]

Quote:
I spent hours designing and doing research(using this site primarily and others) and have plans for a "top shelf" chicken tractor, then my spouse tells me she does not like the idea of confining the birds. So hopefully she will change her mind or we can figure a way to have both or compromise.
This morning I was unable to locate the remaining bird so, this issue my have already been resolved.
I am hoping when I get home she will reamerge alive and well.