Is she better off here as a solo hen or in a new home as the weakest link?

[citychicks99]

I currently have a flock of 6 hens and after 4 years of chicken keeping, I've decided it's not for me. Although I'm emotionally attached to them, the time and energy to take care of them is overwhelming me, especially now that I have a hen with a case of advanced bumblefoot and necrotic toes and possible auto-amputation, I feel that this is beyond me. I don't have the heart to cull her, and I'm afraid of another hen having a bad case of it too. Most of them are also very flighty and it makes taking care of them very difficult.

My smallest hen, Jack, weighs less than 3 pounds, and she's the chillest chicken and my favorite. She was picked on a lot by the other hens, to a point when I thought she was going to die. Her back was completely bare and she was weak and not eating. I gave her her own coop, pen, food and water, and made the other chickens jealous by always giving her treats first. The other day, I saw her stand up for herself and fight a hen more than twice her size.

I was able to find someone who will come tomorrow and take the hens. I didn't want to ask too many questions because I don't want to look back and change my mind only to regret it later. But from what I could see on their Facebook, their profile pic is of a rooster and their cover photo is a large yard with farm animals.

I'm on the fence about giving Jack away because I think she's going to get picked on, and I doubt she'll get the special treatment I gave her. As you can see, she has a hard time walking, and if there are hawks, she's going to be slow. We have hawks here too, but at least she has a pen she can stay in.

If she stays here, I don't think I'd have that much time to play with her, and I don't want her to get neglected. Even though she's accustomed to her own space, at least she got to see the other chickens. I even thought of building a window bump out for her so she can be inside with me but be able to see the outside. Maybe either way it won't be ideal for her, but what's the best thing to do here?

 

[SnackMeat]

If you don't have time for her, then she needs to go either with the old flock or be placed separately with a different flock. It would be different if you would be willing to get her two friends-- whether it's two chicks who can grow looking up to her, or two retired old lady hens who might be jerks or might be too tired to be jerks.

But alone would be cruel and she would likely drove herself insane without some sense of flock dynamics. It would already be bad with just you but I would see more leeway if she was your house chicken and spent all day with you. Otherwise, let her go somewhere she has a chance.

 

[citychicks99]

If you don't have time for her, then she needs to go either with the old flock or be placed separately with a different flock. It would be different if you would be willing to get her two friends-- whether it's two chicks who can grow looking up to her, or two retired old lady hens who might be jerks or might be too tired to be jerks.

But alone would be cruel and she would likely drove herself insane without some sense of flock dynamics. It would already be bad with just you but I would see more leeway if she was your house chicken and spent all day with you. Otherwise, let her go somewhere she has a chance.

I've thought of having her as a house chicken. I do take care of a dog indoors. The only thing is, I thought she'd want to be outside and I don't like spending too much time outside.

 

[SnackMeat]

Then you have to weigh the options. I would test her out as a house chicken and make sure things are safe with the dog. Tell the person coming to get the chickens tomorrow that you may have one more for them soon but you're not sure. In the meantime continue to put out feelers for a gentle flock, preferably a bantam one to minimize bullying.

But house chicken is a lot better than outside by herself day in and day out. It's not ideal, but depending on how much time you spend with her, it should stress her out less.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

This is my opinion for what it's worth. First, kudos to you for your honesty to yourself in recognizing that chicken tending is no longer a joy to you and being ready to move away from it, and also trying to do what's best for your chickens.

In my opinion the kindest thing to do is move Jack along with the other chickens. Do not keep her out of a sense of guilt or obligation or even pity, for down that road lies resentment and frustration. Again, not joy. But explain her needs and problems to the new owners. With any luck they will view her with compassion and commit themselves to protecting, nurturing and, with luck and effort, healing her. She needs and deserves to be with other chickens. That's my opinion. I wish you - and her - all the best moving forward, whatever you decide.

 

[citychicks99]

This is my opinion for what it's worth. First, kudos to you for your honesty to yourself in recognizing that chicken tending is no longer a joy to you and being ready to move away from it, and also trying to do what's best for your chickens.

In my opinion the kindest thing to do is move Jack along with the other chickens. Do not keep her out of a sense of guilt or obligation or even pity, for down that road lies resentment and frustration. Again, not joy. But explain her needs and problems to the new owners. With any luck they will view her with compassion and commit themselves to protecting, nurturing and, with luck and effort, healing her. She needs and deserves to be with other chickens. That's my opinion. I wish you - and her - all the best moving forward, whatever you decide.

Thank you. There was a lot of resentment, especially since it was my brother and niece's idea to get chickens but they abandoned them when they realized how much work it was. I shouldn't have put this resentment on the chickens, it isn't their fault.

I'll just vet the person to make sure they can provide Jack with a good home. If not, I'll keep searching for her, even if it means I'd have to keep her as a house chicken temporarily. I could probably do it short-term but it has been a rough 4 years tbh.