I think our silkie is depressed??

[Hduenner09]

We had 2 beautiful silkies and unfortunately one of them was killed by a hawk so now we just have 1 left. We finally got an enclosure where it’s covered but she won’t be able to be a free range chicken again due to this mean old hawk. But over time (it’s been 3 weeks since the death) our other chicken is acting weird and we think is depressed (if chickens can get depressed) and won’t leave the coop. She won’t walk around anymore and just sits by her food. This is the first time we own chickens so we aren’t really sure what to do. We did get 2 new ones for her but these guys are 2mo. Old and are babies and much smaller so a little bit of bullying is going on. The 2 babies can only be out during the day- they are too young to be out at night but this doesn’t seem to help our lonely hen. Any advice??? She’s just not the same anymore.

 

[sourland]

For sure she misses her flock mate, but the hawk may still be in the area, and she may be aware of that fact. She doesn't realize that she is probably safe in the enclosed pen. It will take time to accept the new birds and to get over the trauma of the attack.

 

[mommiesrcool]

For sure she misses her flock mate, but the hawk may still be in the area, and she may be aware of that fact. She doesn't realize that she is probably safe in the enclosed pen. It will take time to accept the new birds and to get over the trauma of the attack.

X2 My hen acted really strange after a raccoon attack because she lost 1 of her friends it'll take some time for her to get back to normal

 

[Callender Girl]

Same here. My dominant hen was the only survivor of a mink attack on her coop mates, and she wasn't herself for quite a while.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope your beautiful girl feels better soon. I hope you find plenty of help and support here on BYC. We're happy to have you here, wish the circumstances were less sad.