Do chickens mourn a loss?

[baileybrood]

We had a horrible accident here yesterday and I lost 2 of my 3 eight week old chickens. I also have 2 five week old Australorps. The remaining 8 week old is a Barred Rock. She is the queen hen. She seems a little lost since her two mates are gone (so am I!). Is it possible that she would mourn their loss? I had introduced her to the 2 five week olds just this past weekend. She chases them around and pecks a little at them but not constantly. Now that they are the only ones left, will she take them into her flock eventually?

 

[GoldenSparrow]

I had a hen that looked everywhere for a chicken friend that passed away.It broke my heart. after some time she chose a new friend to follow around.

I am very sorry to hear about your chickens

 

[7 Biddies]

I know some people insist animals don't have feelings, but when it comes to animals feeling loss, I have to wonder why they couldn't feel it. Dogs certainly mourn the loss of a master; you hear about them staying by a body for a long time. Chickens are flock animals and always stick within their group. If they lose a member, one would expect that they would notice, especially when in a small flock and especially if they are attached to a particular member.

I hate it for you (and her) that you've lost some birds. Hopefully, time will take care of it and she'll adapt to the younger birds as they grow up.

 

[baileybrood]

Thank you so much for your replies. Yes, it is heart breaking. I would like to replace these 2 chickens. Should I wait until the 5 week olds are a little bigger and the BR has fully accepted them into her flock? Or... does it matter? I can't believe how attached I had gotten to the two I lost in such a short time. I raised them in the house and had just trained them all to jump on my lap for a treat. They would all come running when I would call them.