Dejected Hen

[Featherybird]

I only have 1 hen ever since her sister died. I have chicks still growing up and she doesn't want to deal with them. When ever I open the pen door, she would just stay there and mope around. Usually she's all up and about, then flying out of the pen to play once I open the door. I think she's down because of loneliness, or something else.

If you have any other ideas why she might be sad, please share!
Also, if there are any ways to help her for a few weeks until the chicks can join her, share with me please!

Younger photo of them. The one on the right died.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She could be depressed from losing her sister. Does she look ill, that would be another reason for not moving around a lot. She won't be eager to bond with new chicks unfortunately. I would let her see the new ones and maybe spend time being penned next to them, but make sure she's not sick, what did the other one die of?

 

[Featherybird]

Her sister died a few months ago, and after that until this week, she went out of the pen normally but not as excited. Now she's not wanting to even go out. I let her see the chicks while they are outside to play, so she gets to see them almost everyday for an hour. She's not sick because when I made her go out and play, she seems fine.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have one older hen who lost her best friend last summer, she's still not the same and keeps to herself. It's sad, they seem to form tight bonds and suffer from depression when they lose favorite members. I'm not sure how you can help her except for what you are doing. Hopefully she will start to feel better.