Chicken died. Now what?

[Bonsai]

She was alive last night. Went out to check this afternoon for eggs/water/food and she was dead in the corner of the coop. I'm thinking she died of heat stroke. That being said, I only have on hen left. What do I do? Will she be fine alone? Do I need to get a new one? What do I do? Thanks for your help.

 

[donrae]

Generally, chickens are highly social and do best when in a flock of at least 2-3. That said, you need to address your management to be sure you don't bring in another bird to also die.

 

[Bonsai]

Generally, chickens are highly social and do best when in a flock of at least 2-3. That said, you need to address your management to be sure you don't bring in another bird to also die.

What do you mean by that? I make sure to check them at least three times a day. I had company and couldn't check the second time (generally afternoon 1pm-3pm) I don't want the one left to be lonely; but I don't want to raise chicks again. Is there any way I can introduce a chick to my pullet? If all else fails I know I can find a good home for her.

 

[bobbi-j]

Don't worry about comments made about your chicken management by someone who knows nothing about your setup or your habits. Not everyone realizes that sometimes chickens just up and die despite the best of care. Now, on to your questions. Chickens are more of a flock animal and yours would probably be happier (if a chicken can truly be happy) with a flockmate or two. I would try to find one of a similar age or size to bring home, rather than chicks. An older chicken doesn't usually take well to babies that they haven't raised. Check Craigslist, your local paper, ads at the feedstore, or with friends that you know who have chickens to see if you can get a friend for your pullet.

 

[Bonsai]

Don't worry about comments made about your chicken management by someone who knows nothing about your setup or your habits. Not everyone realizes that sometimes chickens just up and die despite the best of care. Now, on to your questions. Chickens are more of a flock animal and yours would probably be happier (if a chicken can truly be happy) with a flockmate or two. I would try to find one of a similar age or size to bring home, rather than chicks. An older chicken doesn't usually take well to babies that they haven't raised. Check Craigslist, your local paper, ads at the feedstore, or with friends that you know who have chickens to see if you can get a friend for your pullet.

Alright will do. I just didn't understand what donrae meant. I feel bad for her being all alone.

 

[Heat]

Awww, I am sorry to hear about the lady. I have had 2 hens just up and die for no reason. The most recent was our youngest hen (just reached hen-hood), and we have no idea why she passed. That is just the nature of them I guess.

I would suggest getting her a flockmate or two. I think they feel safer in numbers since they are a prey animal. I agree with bobbi-j, check out Craigslist or your local paper, I know in my area people are always getting rid of pullets for one reason or another. And if the other chicken (or another one if you get more soon) dies unexpectedly I would maybe look into what they might be able to get into or possibly check for worms (just to see if there might be an issue).