Is my Chicken Depressed?

[Ellie's Herd]

I have one chicken (Sussex). I used to have four (some at separate times) and the rest of the flock is dead for different reason.

The brother of the Sussex got eaten by a Coyote. They were hatched at the same time.
An Orpington chick who the Sussex basically claimed as her own died of Cocci
And the other was killed by her so she doesn't really care.

Is my chicken, possibly in some weird chicken way depressed?
She is lazier lately and runs at insane speeds whenever she sees us which she wouldn't used to do and makes noises to get our attention. She also hasn't started laying yet.

 

[Welshies]

I can't say she's depressed, but I can say she needs a friend. You should have at least 2 friends for her.
In order to prevent against further issues, can I help you try to determine why your chickens died and what we can do to stop it?

 

[AlleysChicks]

I’m pretty sure she knows what happened to the other chickens. It’s mentioned in her post.

Chickens are social animals so she is probably feeling a little lonely. A few friends would help her.

Edited to add: friends her age. Don’t add chicks to a older chicken. No matter how lonely they are, they won’t accept chicks.

 

[Welshies]

I’m pretty sure she knows what happened to the other chickens. It’s mentioned in her post.

Chickens are social animals so she is probably feeling a little lonely. A few friends would help her.

I know, but cannibalism isn't common. I want to help her adjust her management and coop so it's predator-proof and no more killing sprees happen! Losing 3 chickens in such a short time is not supposed to happen.

 

[MyISAbrownhens]

Is she alone or does she have other hens with her? She needs to have a friend or she will get too lonely, in the meantime, try giving her some boredom busters to keep her busy and spend a lot of time with her. Make sure she isn't picking her feathers either.

 

[AlleysChicks]

I know, but cannibalism isn't common. I want to help her adjust her management and coop so it's predator-proof and no more killing sprees happen! Losing 3 chickens in such a short time is not supposed to happen.

They can kill chicks. It happens with any animal. Another died from cocci, and the brother died from a coyote attack. She never said it happened at the same time, but said the Sussex is now by herself.

 

[Welshies]

They can kill chicks. It happens with any animal. Another died from cocci, and the brother died from a coyote attack. She never said it happened at the same time, but said the Sussex is now by herself.

I'm only trying to help. That way, she never suffers any more losses. I know how hard it can be.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Glad you're here Ellie! Sorry about the circumstances.

As previous posters have said, find another chicken, as close to your chickies age as possible. In the mean time, a stuffed animal and a mirror should help!

Now:

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

 

[Ellie's Herd]

Thanks for all of your help! I will look into getting a chicken around her age but whats the best way to introduce them, and make them get used to each other? Also the chickens didn't die at the same time, and thanks for the other tips. They will really help.

 

[staceyj]

Hi there @Ellie's Herd
And welcome to BYC. I'm sorry for the unfortunate circumstances that brought you here.

Yes your chicken certainly sounds like she's exhibiting signs of loneliness. Chickens aren't meant to live a solitary life.
@AlleysChicks and @MyISAbrownhens both offered constructive suggestions. Keep her entertained both with boredom busters and increased personal attention while you try to find a flockmate or two to be her new BFF's.
I know that it is prudent to quarantine new birds when adding to your flock but since you have only 1 remaining and know you're anxious to see her happy, maybe you could speed things up with the look don't touch method for several days then introduce her friends with your close supervision.

Be certain to provide multiple feeding stations to prevent guarding of resources.

I know I'm seeing the word cannibalism in this thread several times but don't see it in your original post, only a possibility of a death caused by the remaining chicken... or am I wrong?

Cannibalism in poultry is the act of one individual of a species consuming all or part of another individual of the same species as food. It commonly occurs in flocks of domestic hens reared for egg production, although it can also occur in domestic turkeys, pheasants and other poultry species.

So correct me if I'm wrong.
You didn't state that your bird killed AND ATE her flock mate.

No one can guarantee that their methods or suggestions will eliminate the POSSIBILITY of negative social issues in a future flock.

I think the longer she's alone the more unhappy she'll become and that it may cause lasting damage to her personality in the long run.

Join your state thread here on these boards, make a trip to you local feed store, and reach out to other chicken owners in your area to see if you can find a few friends of similar size for her soon. Even a couple of retired girlfriends might wind up being just what she needs.