Do chickens get lonely?

[ginamomdoc]

We had 6 hens, but after 2 raccoon incidents had only one left. She was alone for 4 months or so, and for the last 2 has been eating eggs off and on. We put out our 6 new 8 week old chicks with her recently. Not only did she not terrorize them, they are all sleeping in a bunch with her (she does mutter at them when they peep incessantly) and she has stopped eating her eggs! Could it be that she was just suffering from lonliness?

 

[jjthink]

Chickens do become very lonely without feathered friends. They really should not be alone without friends. 4 months is a really long time

JJ

 

[confusedturtle]

I read that they do get lonely and need to be with other chickens. They are less fearful when they are in a pack so if they are alone they feel lonely & vulnerable. Glad she is doing so well with her new peeps, she is probably very happy to have friends again

 

[rivers2011]

They do indeed get lonely. That's so wonderful that she's taken to her new babies! So glad it worked out smoothly. I wish you guys luck!

 

[dreamer5577]

Quote:
x2!

 

[ginamomdoc]

Thanks for the input. I'm just glad that they all seem happy.

 

[Firefighter Chick]

Yay! Friends!