I'm rehoming only 1 of my chickens. Have I made a horrible mistake?

[newchickenowner99]

So nearly 4 months ago I got two 4 day old silkie chicks. I absolutely adore them and honestly, I spoil them rotten. As they began to grow I noticed one of my chickens has turned out to be a rooster. I was devastated. I live in a residential area with very close neighbours. I tried to hide it and did everything I could the past month to keep him quiet but it was futile as you probably would have guessed. I had to give over the rooster. I had the hard decision of separating the two chickens I raised together or rehoming them both. After a lot of tears and some convincing, I decided to only rehome the rooster. I found him a lovely new home with heaps more land than I have and I know he will have a great life there. It's the night before I have to go drop him off and I have broken down. I regret deciding to separate them and am worried that the hen I am keeping will be lonely. My family has been lovely and bought me a new silkie hen to keep my current one company but I can't get the thought out of my head. They say I am being overly dramatic and that they are chickens and will get over it. Have I made a mistake? Should I have sent them together? Will they be okay?

 

[LaFleche]

Do not beat yourself up.

With the new companion your remaining Silkie will not be lonely and the cockerel will have a great life. Best solution for everyone.

And maybe you might even be able to go and visit him every once in a while and see him enjoying his new life.

 

[SueT]

I have to give away cockerels every year, and don't like it at all. Dealing w extra boys is part of chicken raising. Most will end up being eaten, so if you found a good home, be relieved.
I am not understanding your numbers you said you had 4, and then 1, after rehoming the rooster. What happened to the other 2?

 

[LaFleche]

two 4 day old silkie chicks

 

[newchickenowner99]

What happened to the other 2?

Yes sorry for my poor wording. I have 2 chickens and i got them when they were 4 days old. Thats why I'm worried about taking one away. they have been raised together and I'm worried that the hen i am keeping will be lonely.

 

[newchickenowner99]

Do not beat yourself up.

With the new companion your remaining Silkie will not be lonely and the cockerel will have a great life. Best solution for everyone.

And maybe you might even be able to go and visit him every once in a while and see him enjoying his new life.

Thank you for the kind words. I hope you are right. I've read that chickens have buddies and get lonely when they are taken away. I still don't feel too good about my decision

 

[The Backyard Bantams]

If the hen you are keeping has a new buddy, she should be happy! The roo sounds like he is going to a great new home too! Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll have lots of new ladies to have some “fun” with! I don’t think he’ll miss her too much! Both should be happy! You can always ask to visit the roo occasionally!

 

[SueT]

Yes sorry for my poor wording. I have 2 chickens and i got them when they were 4 days old. Thats why I'm worried about taking one away. they have been raised together and I'm worried that the hen i am keeping will be lonely.

you worded it right, spelling the two and using 4 for age. I should have looked more carefully.
Yes definitely try to find a friend for your pullet. Where do you live?
I wish you luck!