Enrichment for Solo Chicken

[LisaSipe]

I have a 6 month old hen that is lame. Basically, she either hock walks or staggers around using wings and beak for balance. The vet has evaluated her and we are waiting for the return of test results.

In the meantime, she’s been in the house in a large dog kennel for a month getting supportive care. That was okay for a quick emergency. But, it may be many more weeks before she recovers sufficiently to rejoin the flock. So, I need to move her to a less busy part of the house.

I don’t want her to be lonely. She can hear everything going on now. And, I visit her every couple of hours. I am also taking her outside to sit next to her flock in a safe enclosure while they forage for a couple of hours.

What else can I do to provide social contact for her or other forms of enrichment remembering that she can’t move very well?

 

[nuthatched]

Put her kennel in with the flock.

 

[LisaSipe]

Put her kennel in with the flock.

They have very likely already been exposed to whatever she has. I’m just worried about her being contagious and a risk to the rest of them.

I only have room in the attached run not the coop. Also, wonder what the rooster will do when she can’t go up into the coop to roost with them at night.

 

[nuthatched]

They have very likely already been exposed to whatever she has. I’m just worried about her being contagious and a risk to the rest of them.

I only have room in the attached run not the coop. Also, wonder what the rooster will do when she can’t go up into the coop to roost with them at night.

The rooster won't care.
If she has a neurological issue and nit a disease, she'll be happier out there. Hopefully you'll know soon.

 

[FrostRanger]

You can also place a mirror with her if you can't get her out with the flock, that should help a little. Hopefully she'll make a quick and through recovery and will be able to be reunited very soon!