Chicken Bonding

[chickensruletb]

I had two chickens and one just past away sadly. I'm pretty sure that she had a disease that can be spread very easily. My other chicken is older and she can't get it because of her age. I would like to get her a pal because she is lonely but I'm afraid if I get another chicken she could get the disease and die too. So do you think I could get a different type of animal? Like a duck maybe? Or maybe if I get a older chicken?

 

[drumstick diva]

I'm no expert but, I think a lot of diseases that effect chickens - don't bother dogs, cats,(mammals) etc. I would think poultry could have diseases that would spread between species. It's something you vet might know a lot about but, if you don't know what your bird had - couldn't help much.

I think old birds would be especially unable to fight diseases the same with young chicks being very vulnerable.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Personally, i would cull the existing bird and start again. Your existing older hen may not necessarily exhibit symptoms of a disease, but, if its viral she is likely to be a carrier and thus spread it to other chickens. I don't mean to sound harsh, and i apologise if my suggestion offends you - that is not my intention - i am simply speaking from experience.

I guess there's no harm in getting another chicken and seeing how things go - since you don't have a large flock, it would not be the end of the world. Another chicken is the best way to go, in terms of species, I would think.

Good luck
CT

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and . Great to have you aboard. I agree with CTKen - don't "go big" and get a bunch of birds. Get one and see if it contracts whatever the sick one had. If it's all okay then you can expand your flock again. Good luck to you!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[chickensruletb]

Thank you guys for your help. I will try all of these answers and hopefully succeed! Wish me luck