Grieving Ruby

[Sandra Verbreyt]

I need some advice please. I had two chickens Ruby and Margo they had a free run of my garden. Sadly Margo died at the weekend. My question is do chickens grieve or miss eachother because Ruby is being unusually quiet since Margo has been gone. She comes out of the coop for just a very short while but then returns and sits in the corner. She is not broody. When she comes out it looks like she is searching for Margo . When she cant find her she returns to the coop. Is it possible that she is missing her pal and if so what can I do apart from buy another friend for her. Please help because I feel so sad for my Ruby Tuesday

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry for your loss!
Do you know what happened to Margo? It's good to have answers when there's an unexpected death.
Yes, I'm sure she misses her flockmate. A solitary chicken is a very unhappy chicken, and she needs friends as soon as possible. This is why it's often best to have three or more, so loosing one isn't so terrible for the survivor.
Mary

 

[MGG]

So sorry for your loss! Definitely try to get her a friend as soon as possible!

 

[Matilda Belle]

I agree that she is mourning and needs a new friend ASAP. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[aart]

Looks like new friends are in the works:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-friends-for-ruby.1348335/

 

[MGG]

Thanks for the link @aart , I was wondering what OP was going to do

 

[Sandra Verbreyt]

Thankyou for your advice. I was also told that to put the new bird into the coop at night when Ruby is already in there. Is this a good idea or not?

 

[aart]

Thankyou for your advice. I was also told that to put the new bird into the coop at night when Ruby is already in there. Is this a good idea or not?

No, not a good idea, IMO....it might work, but often ends in an injurious battle.
So you can try it, but be ready to keep them separate if needed.
I put some tips for basic integration in your other thread.