Hen

[Txmellie]

I have a buff orpington hen that was raised with a buff rooster. They were the cutest little couple. The rooster died a few days ago and the hen has been walking around with ruffled feathers since. I hate her being alone (they shared their own coop separate from the other rooster and hens who are a few months older) but I am hesitant to put her in with the girls and other rooster even though they get along outside of the coops. Is her behavior normal? She literally looks angry all of the time with her ruffled feathers!

 

[Perris]

she probably wants company - can you let her choose whether to stay alone or join the other coop?

 

[Txmellie]

I am leaving both coops open tonight until dark and let her choose where she wants to go. I put a hen in with her last night to give her company. Seemed to go okay. She lost her back feathers due to being his only hen and I put a saddle on her. Finally made her stop wearing it because after 2 months nothing was growing back in. Since Bobbleheads death she is picking at her wings and back really bad. Pick no more only helps so much. At a loss on what to do with her.

 

[Txmellie]

 

[Perris]

nothing was growing back in

they'll grow back when she molts, in the autumn. Where did she choose to sleep?

 

[Txmellie]

She started in the 3 month old (teenagers) pen and then went to hers. I think I ran her out when I did the food so I will do that earlier today and see what happens. I did put Butterball in with her so she had some company.