Lost 2 of our 3 hens to our dog and now trying to decide what to do

[Phiggy]

We adopted 3 beautiful Rhode Island Reds a month ago and last week they got out of their pen and our dog killed two of them. Aside from being distraught from the tragedy and fixing the pen so they cannot escape again, I am wondering whether we should get another full grown hen so Sapphire isn't lonely and, if we do, how do we go about introducing them?

Thank you so much for whatever help you give me!

 

[bj taylor]

We adopted 3 beautiful Rhode Island Reds a month ago and last week they got out of their pen and our dog killed two of them. Aside from being distraught from the tragedy and fixing the pen so they cannot escape again, I am wondering whether we should get another full grown hen so Sapphire isn't lonely and, if we do, how do we go about introducing them?

Thank you so much for whatever help you give me!

I think chickens are meant to be w/other chickens. I also think rhode island reds are known to be a fairly aggressive breed, so getting another bird for company requires a bird breed that can stand up to the rhode island red temperament. to get a passive bird may be asking for aggression issues. that's how I would look at the situation. I think your sapphire will be eager to have company, but the initial introduction may be rocky, so if you pick a time when you can spend long period of time just being with them you can mediate any problems.