Lonely red hen.

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E

Elliceee

Chirping
Apr 27, 2023
13
34
61
I adopted two red hens from a neighbor who was moving, they were the only two he had, and they were maybe a year old. A few months later adopted two barred rocks each about 18 months to 2 years old, and they came from a larger flock (and were handled a lot less.)
One of the red hens passed, and the remaining red hen is (and always was) “at the top of the pecking order”. The two barred rocks socialize during the day with her (one a lot more than the other) but the remaining red hen seems lonely. Now that it’s getting cold, when I check the chicken coop cam, the two barred rocks are snuggling and she’s all alone.

There is a variety of adoptable/for sale hens where I live and I have the space, etc. to get more chickens. Also, I would love more of them. But I’m wondering what would be best
? I’m afraid if I get one pullet it’ll get bullied. If I get two pullets, she’ll still be lonely — or maybe she’ll be able to bond with both and it’s double the bond?

Any suggestions or previous experiences are very appreciated!
 
Hiya, and welcome to BYC! :frow

I'd think if she were cold, she'd go over by them on her own. As long as they are being sociable and out in the yard they're fine, I wouldn't worry about it. It looks sad to you, and I understand, but she will know to be by them if she gets chilled. :hugs

If you get another hen or two, or have a bullying issue, the way I've dealt with it is pen up the bully for a few days. That resets the pecking order and might give the bully a new attitude.
 
Hello!

Chickens tend to only want to stick with their flock and can make bonds with certain chickens. Adopting multiple different flocks (even if it is just two) can be unhealthy for chickens and can disorder their hierarchy which leads to lots of fights. Also bringing more adopted chickens to the flock can expose them to more bacteria which can lead to health issues. I would just get a big batch of chick and raise those and breed them with an incubator if you want more.

So the red hen just simply might be lonely because her friend isn't with her.
 
Unless you have a plan to quarantine the new birds you adopt, I would wait to raise some chicks and integrate them into the flock. She might make some new friends. I like @DobieLover's suggestion to get the same or different colors. I do notice birds "of a feather" sticking together, so there is probably some validity to that.

The new birds might not ever replace her old friend, but I think they will be a good distraction as long as everyone is integrated properly and they have enough space.

Best wishes to your red hen! Welcome to BackYard Chickens!
 

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