Down to 1 chicken

[sourland]

Get more hens. Supplemental heat is not need as long as your coop is well ventilated and draft free. Chickens can handle low temperatures with no problem. As a matter of fact, supplemental heat can cause problems such as condensation and moisture build up.

 

[craftychicken]

Hi Fin4,
I am in the same situation, down to 1 hen after a coyote took our other 2. So sorry this happened to you. Our hen has been alone for 2 weeks and seems ok so far. We let her out of the coop when we are in the yard for about an hour a day (more on the weekends). Though that will be harder now that it will get dark earlier and we both work full time. I hope you find a good solution. We are still trying to figure out what to do.

Good luck.

 

[LilChickCoop]

I would also suggest getting more flock mates....chickens are social animals after all.

 

[can you hear me now?]

Still sorry you are down to one. Hope you get better luck.

 

[NurseELB]

If you are looking to keep her I have a loving, sweet little BR hen who needs a good home. She is terrified of our other birds, and was a rescue to begin with. She is a doll, and I just want to find somewhere she'll fit in!

 

[Fin4]

Thank you all so much. "Ruby" our chicken is very social and we definitely will find her a friend. We only let her out when one of us in the yard with her. My 7-year old kept her company in the rain yesterday. He doesn't want another one to get hurt. NurseELB I would love to take yours off your hands, but the one I have left was the "top hen" and most agressive in my coop and I'm afraid she would not be a good match for yours who is terrified of other birds. Thank you for the offer though.

I don't think I could handle chicks right now. I'm so new at this that raising chicks in the winter seems too much. I need to do a lot more research before I tackle that one.

Today our whole family was in the yard building the Fort Knox of penned areas and putting in a new, smaller chicken coop, that fits 3 (just for now because it will be easier for her to keep warm in. Our other one is 8'x8'x8') and Ruby hung around us all day. She definitely needs a friend.

Sourland... thanks for the tip on supplemental heat. I'm glad I don't have to worry that much about the cold.

Thank you all.