Is my chicken lonely?

[Amelia'sFan]

Thanks for the replies about Amelia. She is roosting as high in the loft as she can get. She is eating and drinking water, and it seems she is sleeping at night in the wooden box with straw in it that we fixed for her. That is also high, but not as high as she is roosting during the day. It has been very cold here in Vermont, which is a concern as our shed has openings on two sides. Since water freezes quickly, we take her warm water two or three times a day. She shows no interest in rejoining our neighbors' flock. We're going to give her a teddy bear for comfort later today. Unfortunately, we are unable to take on more chickens to be companions for her. Any other suggestions for her care will be appreciated.

 

[xjchief]

Did you tell your neighbor about this? Tell them you're willing to take the chicken in. Best of luck you!

 

[Amelia'sFan]

Our neighbor's (who have a small farm) have told us she is our chicken. It is a good thing. They plan to slaughter all of their chickens soon. None of them are laying, and our neighbors need the food. Amelia seems to be doing better, although she shows no interest in the teddy bear we gave her. But she is moving about, eating well, and drinking. She is very responsive to our voices, but she moves away if we are a foot or less from her. She's been shy that way since she started spending her days here last summer. Amelia really seems to be a loner, although I know that chickens are social beings. Perhaps she's one of a kind.

 

[xjchief]

Sounds like she's much better off with you. It's very nice of you to adopt her.

 

[rosaline]

Amelia'sFan :

Our neighbor's (who have a small farm) have told us she is our chicken. It is a good thing. They plan to slaughter all of their chickens soon. None of them are laying, and our neighbors need the food. Amelia seems to be doing better, although she shows no interest in the teddy bear we gave her. But she is moving about, eating well, and drinking. She is very responsive to our voices, but she moves away if we are a foot or less from her. She's been shy that way since she started spending her days here last summer. Amelia really seems to be a loner, although I know that chickens are social beings. Perhaps she's one of a kind.

I wounder if chickens has some kind of sense. But then if they did you would of ended up with a shed full of chickens

What type of chicken do you have? Maybe the breed of chicken that likes to be alone

 

[Vivnista]

Get her a friend or two...but you have to quarantine new birds for 30 days before you can mix them...so get her a stuffed animal for now?

I am horrified by this! I just put 2 new chickens in with my 2 existing ones.....why the quarentine? I'm frantic now :-(

 

[aart]

I am horrified by this! I just put 2 new chickens in with my 2 existing ones.....why the quarentine? I'm frantic now :-(

It can be a risk to bring in new birds,
that are not day olds from a reputable hatchery,
as they can bring pests and/or disease with them.
Assessing the risk depends on where birds came from.
Don't panic, water under the bridge now,
but do check over new birds for external parasites.
Should be done regularly with all your birds.


Check them over real well for mites and/or lice.

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

 

[Vivnista]

Crikey. Thank you, will have a look tonight