Is my Chicken Depressed?

[Frazzemrat1]

As a social flock animal that uses the flock to stay and feel safe, she needs friends. That's why she's so excited to see you... as her flock, you keep leaving her alone. Give her another flock to hang out with and feel safe with.

 

[Chicken Whisper101]

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

@AlleysChicks Just told you what happened. The Sussex just needs a friend or two.

 

[Welshies]

@AlleysChicks Just told you what happened. The Sussex just needs a friend or two.

I don't want to argue, I was just trying to find out more information so I could help

 

[DuckLady]

I don't want to argue, I was just trying to find out more information so I could help

You're fine. Help comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes a word or phrase will trigger something that will help. Never stop trying to help. It is all appreciated and encouraged here.

 

[h2oratt]

I heard they have a chicken Prozac. It is called another chicken!

 

[AlleysChicks]

I heard they have a chicken Prozac. It is called another chicken!

Works on people too

 

[h2oratt]

Works on people too

It depends on the other person.

 

[AlleysChicks]

It depends on the other person.

Ew no extra people, I meant more chickens

 

[twisted-acres-farm]

Ew no extra people, I meant more chickens

 

[Lazy Farmer]

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.

No need for my reply. Very well said..