Is my chicken sad?

[aguamarina]

Hello, first I need to clarify my hen is a companion pet, because I understand many humans think animals don't have humanish feelings. Maybe they have something similar to sadness..

Ok, she is now 1 year and a half old. Has been broody twice, the first time stayed in her nest 40 full days. Second I fail to look after her broodyness and eggs properly and lost her 4 babies (at 7 and 8 days gestation) and two eggs had no baby. Forgive language, but for me they were her babies, even the local vet said "babies" so I'm not so wrong, hehe.

And she spends most of her time in the patio, mostly with my cat and the house dog. There is another cat. I mean she doesn't have a lookalike friend.

She follows me the most. If she hears my voice she jumps agains the glass door or makes a noice like baaah. This is the only noise she makes now. The other day I left and she screamed all my way down the stairs (I live 3rd floor) replying louder and louder to me. Also when I ger home she bends as if I am a rooster and will pop on to her, it is so funny, but she is very hungry cos she is laying.. But she used to be more noisy.

I planned to keep her baby hen for her to have a partner (if there was any alive) no luck.

I also am not spending that much time with her, or watching tv together or something outside (is currently very cold outside)

But I don't think is that. I am thinking she needs entertainment, a chicken friend or an upgrade of her accomodations. She doesn't have a coop. She sleeps in the same room as the other pets. And she choose a chairs armchair to sleep. But if the dog opens the door and the cold is right on her fluffy butt or her face. She goes to sleep on the other pets mattresses, she seems to like floor sleeping best. She used to sleep in my room and bed until about 5 months old, and occassionaly since then. Not now for about 4 months.

It is funny and cute to see her sleeping on the dogs bed with her gead under her wing. Also, I noticed once is daylight she rather comes down the armchair's arm and goes near the heater (previous "fighting" for the place with cat and dog) and sleeps on the cushion surface.

I understand she fears predators in the dark, so goes to the higher spot.

Thank you for reading

 

[chickensnewtome]

Have you tried chicken treats? Or maybe hanging a corn cob up for her to peck on. Sounds like a case of the boredom blues. She may also need a friend have you considered this? Maybe some meal worms or something to scratch like put some hay in a box and hide worms or treats in it. just to have some entertainment.

 

[aguamarina]

Have you tried chicken treats? Or maybe hanging a corn cob up for her to peck on. Sounds like a case of the boredom blues. She may also need a friend have you considered this? Maybe some meal worms or something to scratch like put some hay in a box and hide worms or treats in it. just to have some entertainment. 

I need tips for treats, speciallt for ones where dog and cats cannot ruin it for her.

I am thinking about the next time she gets broody maybe a month or so, to let her raise a chick, hopefully a hen so we can keep it for her to live in pair. I think if she raises the chick will like her when becomes a hen. Right?

Thanks, so much!

 

[chickensnewtome]

if she likes to roost high you could hang a corn cob up for her to play with. Meal worms are a great one that dogs and cats dont like. Make it fun for her chickens love to scratch so even a box of hay with little things hidden is good. Since it is cold and she doesnt go out often she needs a little entertainment. I think the additional chick will help her alot and if it is a hen that will be really good. If you look at that bullying forum on the front page it also has ideas for treats and fun for chickens. It is hot here in Arkansas so I am making my chickens a popsicle today.