Do chickens get lonely or depressed ?

[Sinful chick]

I have 5 “normal sized chickens”, one being Big Bob...the “self-proclaimed” King.
I adopted a Bantam Roo about 2 months ago. I love “Chuck” to death, but of corse Bob could easily eat him as an appetizer. I have no choice (or do I?) but to have him in a pen, by himself, while the others freerange all day. He wants out SO bad and it breaks my heart! If I adopted a Bantam lady, do you think it would help him, or am I just being too sensitive?

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Did you slowly integrate the bantam roo?
How exactly does your large roo interact with the bantam? I mean does he just chase him off, or full on flog him or bully him relentlessly? And does the bantam fight back or run?
They might be able to establish a system of alpha and beta roo if the bantam backs down and accepts his place and if the large roo isn't too vicious with him and they have enough space to escape each other.

On the other hand, they might never get along. If they continue to fight, separating them is the only option for their safety. In this case yes the bantam will get very lonely and it might be best to get him a hen or two and keep them as a separate flock, if you have the space.

 

[Sinful chick]

Did you slowly integrate the bantam roo?
How exactly does your large roo interact with the bantam? I mean does he just chase him off, or full on flog him or bully him relentlessly? And does the bantam fight back or run?
They might be able to establish a system of alpha and beta roo if the bantam backs down and accepts his place and if the large roo isn't too vicious with him and they have enough space to escape each other.

On the other hand, they might never get along. If they continue to fight, separating them is the only option for their safety. In this case yes the bantam will get very lonely and it might be best to get him a hen or two and keep them as a separate flock, if you have the space.

Excellent! Needed to hear that! I’m by myself, so there’s no way I’d let them “hash it out” with no one to help me break them up, if it got ugly. I haven’t tried yet. As it is now, Bob “rushes the cage that lil Chuck is in, like he REALLY wants to get him!! Bob even attacked me twice, as I was carrying Chuck to his pen. Even knocked me down once! Scared me to death! Bob never gets after me....only everyone else! I will check into a little hen. I have no idea....are Bantams more expensive than others? Just curious...thanks for your help!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Excellent! Needed to hear that! I’m by myself, so there’s no way I’d let them “hash it out” with no one to help me break them up, if it got ugly. I haven’t tried yet. As it is now, Bob “rushes the cage that lil Chuck is in, like he REALLY wants to get him!! Bob even attacked me twice, as I was carrying Chuck to his pen. Even knocked me down once! Scared me to death! Bob never gets after me....only everyone else! I will check into a little hen. I have no idea....are Bantams more expensive than others? Just curious...thanks for your help!!

They can be a little more expensive. If ordering sexed bantam chicks from (the only place I know of that sells them) mypetchicken.com yes they are a lot more expensive.

There may be started pullets on craigslist. By the way your little guy won't mind if his ladies are a bit bigger than him.
I would look for breeds that are on the docile side.

What breed is the little fellow?

 

[Sinful chick]

They can be a little more expensive. If ordering sexed bantam chicks from (the only place I know of that sells them) mypetchicken.com yes they are a lot more expensive.

There may be started pullets on craigslist. By the way your little guy won't mind if his ladies are a bit bigger than him.
I would look for breeds that are on the docile side.

What breed is the little fellow?

I’m a little embarrassed to say...IDK...I never asked. Let me find a pic...I would love to know!! (Man, I feel so stupid! )

 

[21hens-incharge]

View attachment 1871778 View attachment 1871781
I’m a little embarrassed to say...IDK...I never asked. Let me find a pic...I would love to know!! (Man, I feel so stupid! )

I honestly don't know either!

Good looking little guy.

Maybe some old English game bantam hens would fit nicely with him. He is a petite fellow.

Cackle also apparently has a hatchery choice female bantam deal.
It is $91 for 10 female bantam chicks hatchery choice shipping included.......but then you gotta let them grow up too.

 

[Sinful chick]

I honestly don't know either!

Good looking little guy.

Maybe some old English game bantam hens would fit nicely with him. He is a petite fellow.

Cackle also apparently has a hatchery choice female bantam deal.
It is $91 for 10 female bantam chicks hatchery choice shipping included.......but then you gotta let them grow up too.

I can only handle one! Haha!! I’d have millions, if I could!!! I’ll have to check around locally! Thanks SO much!