Is there any hope for my lonely hen?

[naturemom]

2 1/2 years ago my impulsive dh bought our dd an Old English Game bantam for her birthday. He was at a flea market and some 4H kids were selling their animals. Since we live in a town where chickens are ilegal, buying another one didn't seem like a wise idea, but we did keep her, and I have felt terrible all along about the fact that she is all alone. I know chickens need company. Well, now we are moving and will be allowed to have chickens legally. We have some chicks, which I think are mostly cockerels and will have to go live elsewhere, but if that happens we plan to get more, and ultimately end up with 3-6 pullets. I'd love for our little hen to be with other chickens, but she's been alone (except for the company of humans) for so long, I worry that it will be a disaster, especially given that Old English Games tend to be aggressive. Is there any chance she might be able to get along with them? Anything I can do to increase the likelihood?

 

[missusduray]

it might help to have her be able to see the new chicks grow up. Is it possible to put them in pens that are close together? Then you could move them in together when they are approx the same size. she might still be the boss but i think it is still possible to get her some company. Good luck and congrats on being able to have more chickens!
Kristyne

 

[naturemom]

Right now the chicks are in a cardboard box, so I can't really put her where she can see them, but they'll need more room soon. I'm thinking maybe I can put cardboard in the bottom of an old rabbit cage to hold the pine shavings in and then I can put them near her. They're growing so fast, and not all are bantams, so I think some of them might be as big as she is in a week or 2 (they're 3 weeks old now.)