Loss of a Silly Girl

[Jbird95]

Today I lost my silly girl Baby Chicken. It was devastating for our entire family. We got 2 chickens about 3 1/2 years ago and they quickly became part of the family. Baby was a stinker. She iced to instagate with my son, she would be upset with my daughter if she didn’t see her for 2 or 3 days because of school/activities (would literally scream at her in her face but the was happy once snuggled) I could go on and on with stories of why she was loved but I had been taking her to the vet once she developed ascities/ water bellly. In the end her poor little body was riddled with egg yolk and cancer. The grief for the loss of a pet sucks, but how do I deal with my other girl who is left behind. Kodak was #2 in the pecking order and didn’t really mind unless there were crickets involved, lol. Tonight, after some coaxing, she slept on her perch alone and not in her usual spot. Baby Chicken got up first abs then Kodak would move over to snuggle up (she’s a cuddler). My question is, how does it, or does it work if you only have 1 chicken. My heart breaks go watch her look for her. I’m pretty sure she knew she was sick the night before Baby passed. Has anyone else been in this situation? Loneliness sucks. Chicken therapy needed please.

 

[Chookchicken]

I’m so sorry about your chicken, sounds like she was very loved.

Her sister would most likely want another chicken to hang out with. The only reason I wouldn’t is if she is sick. If your thinking of adding chickens to your flock I would do it now. She will grieve for a few days, it can look really sad.

 

[deidreg]

Thanks for sharing your stories about Baby Chicken. What a special girl! I agree that Kodak needs new flock mates. Chickens don't do well alone. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Mutchi]

Get some new chicks, it will make you, you family, and chicken happy! I'm sorry about you losing her tho... such a tragedy and I'm sorry I have been losing my girls left and right. There's a lot wrong with my flock and it's all happening at once..... I hope your family recovers.

 

[N F C]

Sorry for the loss of your girl. I agree with the others, a few more will help Kodak feel less alone.

 

[Callender Girl]

It sounds like losing Baby was heartbreaking for your entire family, Kodak included. While it would probably be a good idea to get Kodak a new sibling, there is the concern that she is possibly sick and on the other hand, it's always a good idea to quarantine additions to make sure the newbies aren't bringing something unhealthy to Kodak.

If it were me, I would try to spend as much time as possible with Kodak. I KNOW chickens are flock creatures. I also know that my girl, Dottie, is not comfortable with other chickens. She lives in the house (long story) with me, a dog and a cat, and we all get along fine. She cuddles with me, takes trips outside during the day -- and runs in terror from every chicken that approaches her. So, in my opinion, it's not impossible to have a happy, lone chicken. Far from ideal, but not impossible -- especially if you are not ready to open your heart up to another girl right away.

In the meantime, Kodak isn't the only one who needs to heal. It's clear that Baby's loss is leaving a huge hole in all your lives. She must have been quite the girl. I am very sorry for your loss.

 

[Jbird95]

It sounds like losing Baby was heartbreaking for your entire family, Kodak included. While it would probably be a good idea to get Kodak a new sibling, there is the concern that she is possibly sick and on the other hand, it's always a good idea to quarantine additions to make sure the newbies aren't bringing something unhealthy to Kodak.

If it were me, I would try to spend as much time as possible with Kodak. I KNOW chickens are flock creatures. I also know that my girl, Dottie, is not comfortable with other chickens. She lives in the house (long story) with me, a dog and a cat, and we all get along fine. She cuddles with me, takes trips outside during the day -- and runs in terror from every chicken that approaches her. So, in my opinion, it's not impossible to have a happy, lone chicken. Far from ideal, but not impossible -- especially if you are not ready to open your heart up to another girl right away.

In the meantime, Kodak isn't the only one who needs to heal. It's clear that Baby's loss is leaving a huge hole in all your lives. She must have been quite the girl. I am very sorry for your loss.

Thank you so much. We call Kodak “a house chicken. “ she is very well mannered and only goes in the kitchen or our gym. She spent all afternoon following me around inside and out and then took a nap with my daughter (teenager). Nighttime sucks. I plan on giving her extra attention. I’m definitely not sure about making additions. I don’t want to make emotional decisions we’ll all regret. Thank you for letting me know that there’s hope she’ll be happy again too. Maybe I’ll get her a puppy instead

 

[Jbird95]

I’m so sorry about your chicken, sounds like she was very loved.

Her sister would most likely want another chicken to hang out with. The only reason I wouldn’t is if she is sick. If your thinking of adding chickens to your flock I would do it now. She will grieve for a few days, it can look really sad.

Baby had reproductive issues and cancer. Kodak is a very healthy girl. If I were to get chicks, that takes weeks before they enter the coop. Do you introduce them to her immediately?

 

[Chookchicken]

Baby had reproductive issues and cancer. Kodak is a very healthy girl. If I were to get chicks, that takes weeks before they enter the coop. Do you introduce them to her immediately?

Chicks need to be at least 6 weeks old before you can introduce them to her. The only other way would be letting her hatch them herself. Either you can get her some friends that are old enough to have in the yard, or you spend A LOT of time with her for 2-3 months whilst the chicks mature. I’d personally introduce pullets to her (I’d say any pullet 8+ weeks would be good). You can hatch chicks, she will most likely just be a very lonely chicken for a few months. As another poster said though she might not want any new flock mates, so that is a risk. I would get her some friends, if she doesn’t want them then you can cross that bridge when it comes. It’s your choice what you do, I hope this information helps

 

[Jbird95]

Chicks need to be at least 6 weeks old before you can introduce them to her. The only other way would be letting her hatch them herself. Either you can get her some friends that are old enough to have in the yard, or you spend A LOT of time with her for 2-3 months whilst the chicks mature. I’d personally introduce pullets to her (I’d say any pullet 8+ weeks would be good). You can hatch chicks, she will most likely just be a very lonely chicken for a few months. As another poster said though she might not want any new flock mates, so that is a risk. I would get her some friends, if she doesn’t want them then you can cross that bridge when it comes. It’s your choice what you do, I hope this information helps

Thank you very much