Chicken died, will the other one be ok?

[SCOUT123]

I only have two RIR hens. One died last night while I was away at band camp. I'm not quite sure what happened myself, but apparently he head got stuck in a hanging pot.

 

[SCOUT123]

Will the other one be okay? Should I get another to keep her company, and should they be about the same age?

 

[RAsChickens]

You need to get another one. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[azygous]

Yes, a single chicken will be lonely without other chickens. However, do not expect your hen to welcome a newcomer with unbridled enthusiasm.

If you can find another adult hen from a reputable source, meaning from a flock that has no contagious diseases, that would be easiest. But you should be ready for some pecking and chasing and minor conflict at first until they become familiar with one another.

While your hen may not appear to be thrilled at first with her new companion, she will find immediate comfort in being in proximity to another chicken.

 

[SCOUT123]

Thank you so much! About what age should the new chicken be? Also, do chickens mourn the loss of others? Mine seemed very understanding. I don't know if she knew her sister died, but she wandered around looking for her the last few days and looked to be quietly thinking, as if she understood everything that happened. I threw her a couple of grapes, and she looked around as if expecting her sister to try to take it from her. Then she started sleeping in the nestbox for a few days.. I miss my hen

 

[DesertBird]

Thank you so much! About what age should the new chicken be? Also, do chickens mourn the loss of others? Mine seemed very understanding. I don't know if she knew her sister died, but she wandered around looking for her the last few days and looked to be quietly thinking, as if she understood everything that happened. I threw her a couple of grapes, and she looked around as if expecting her sister to try to take it from her. Then she started sleeping in the nestbox for a few days.. I miss my hen

They should be around the same age or at least size, and yes, they do. So sorry for your loss.