Chicken swap?

[joymo]

Unfortunately, one of my 2 precious Silkies turned out to be a roo. I've kept him as long as I could but I'm going to give him away to keep watch on another Silkie flock in need of a keeper.

I will have one Silkie and 2 OEGBs left. I do plan on getting another Silkie pullet. Should I give them time to adjust without their roo or should I add a new flock mate right away? I thought maybe the distraction of the change could mend their hearts(or mine!) from their departed buddy. Looking for some advice. I'm so sad.

 

[nuthatched]

Any new birds should be quarantined completely for a month.
They won't remember they even had another chicken by the end of the week.

 

[Tonyroo]

Any new birds should be quarantined completely for a month.
They won't remember they even had another chicken by the end of the week.

So true. From my observations and meddling, I noticed chickens don't ever notice or feel anything when a bird is removed from the flock. They only remember when a predator attacks a flock mate and they witness the ordeal.

 

[joymo]

Hi @nuthatched and @Tonyroo you're right! My Silkie doesn't even seem to notice my roo is gone. It's a lot quieter now and the rest of the flock just "cluck-cluck" along.