do chickens grieve

[chickenmama109]

so i just got done incubating some chicken eggs and i hatched 4 very pretty chicks so they were in there brooder and a rat got in there some how-the brooder has chicken wire and a door to keep the rat out-the brooder was in the garage so i last 3 and this one chick watched it all happen know she is not eating or drinking and not really moving do chicks grieve i think she might miss the chicks

 

[AllenK RGV]

I would be concerned as she is a flock animal might add in some stuffed animals and a mirror so the chick can see more than 1 around?

 

[AllenK RGV]

@penny1960 , @aart @Folly's place any of you long time keepers have an opinion you would care to share?

 

[SonoranChick]

I believe they do grieve and they can absolutely go through stress and even display post traumatic stress symptoms. My first flock went through trauma due to a horrible dog attack, half the flock survived but they were never the same. Luckily your chick is young, and maybe if you get some more chicks similar in size and color, it will help. Good luck I'm sorry this happened to you. Stupid rat!!

 

[Chickens like to peck me]

yes I'm sorry spend lots of time with the chick and get some chick stuffed toys

 

[pennyJo1960]

so i just got done incubating some chicken eggs and i hatched 4 very pretty chicks so they were in there brooder and a rat got in there some how-the brooder has chicken wire and a door to keep the rat out-the brooder was in the garage so i last 3 and this one chick watched it all happen know she is not eating or drinking and not really moving do chicks grieve i think she might miss the chicks

I do agree they will morn the loss not quite positive what age this will happen but he does have the smart choice @AllenK@new2this I will just second his thoughts and say I am sorry for the loss you suffered

 

[Hazelbunny]

A while ago one of my hens dyed of old age and when I was taking the dead hen out one chicken wouldn't leave me alone. She wanted to be with the dead hen she would walk on her, walk around her and follow me when I was talking the dead hen out. The next day one chicken was acting strange she looked sad, that chicken was the one that wouldn't leave the dead hen alone. That same chicken acted odd for a few days but I think she got over it.
I do think that chickens grief, especially when they saw the death of there best friend.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I am afraid to anthropomorphize too much with my chicken, that being said, I rehomed my 3 unruly roos last weekend. The gals were absolutely silent for two days. One hen hung out by the dog crate most days where she last saw the roo she had bonded with. Then she continually came into the house to perform searches for him in every room she could access. Even today 5 days after the event she has been in poking around the living area. Their normal chicken vocalizations have returned to normal, but behaviorally they are still a bit off their normals, by not running to greet us when we are about, not eating chicken feed only foraging near cover and taking only scratch and cracked corn(comfort foods?).

 

[chickenmama109]

thanks so much every one im going to incubate some more chicks but it will take three weeks i will get some stuffed toys for the chick and a mirror thanks so much

 

[SonoranChick]

@AllenK@new2this I have experienced this as well, I thought I was simply rehoming an unruly cockerel. My females were genuinely upset at his absence for about a week. They didn't even like him when he was in the coop with them ha! But they missed him.