My 10 year old died today

[birdie477]

Hello,
I had two chickens a ten year old and a 5 year old. The ten year old died today and that leaves the 5 year old alone. I'm not sure I want to give her away as she is not really laying any more and I don't live in an area where a lot of people have chickens. So, it would be hard to find someone and at the age of 5 I'm not sure how she would do with a move and a new flock. She has never been around a rooster. Getting more chickens is not an option. Would it be OK to have her be alone for the rest of her days? She is 5 and I know she could live a lot more years or not.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Hello,
I had two chickens a ten year old and a 5 year old. The ten year old died today and that leaves the 5 year old alone. I'm not sure I want to give her away as she is not really laying any more and I don't live in an area where a lot of people have chickens. So, it would be hard to find someone and at the age of 5 I'm not sure how she would do with a move and a new flock. She has never been around a rooster. Getting more chickens is not an option. Would it be OK to have her be alone for the rest of her days? She is 5 and I know she could live a lot more years or not.

Hi there. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m praying for peace and comfort. I am not sure if getting another chicken would be a good idea or a bad idea... sadly none of my chickens have lived to be that old (predators) but I’m wishing you luck!

 

[Brooks_]

I am sorry for your loss. 10 yrs...that's a lot of attachment. I really feel the 5 yo needs a flock mate. How to go about that...IDK.

Best wishes.

 

[Ebony Rose]

Chickens are very social creatures. She'll need a buddy. If you were to obtain a chick of about 2 weeks to 1 month of age, and quarantine them for the recommended 1 month in a look/don't touch situation with the remaining hen, the chick should be big, strong and agile enough to hold her own until the pecking order is established once released into the run with your existing hen. If you could make that two chicks instead of one, you'll reduce your odds of needing to find a mate for the younger chicks when your old girl makes her eventual journey to the rainbow bridge.

 

[Yardmom]

Just want to say if you don't want more chickens it is Ok. Yes chickens are social birds,but if you don't want any more than don't get any more. You can see how she is doing alone. She migjt be fine. An older bird would not automatically be excited about new flock mates, but if you are worried see if someone would take her. Not everyone is worried about how many eggs.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

She will be fine. Although I did have a hen who died of a heart attack (I presume) the next day because I separated her from the rooster. They were a pair that got along great.

 

[Chikibabymom]

Hello,
I had two chickens a ten year old and a 5 year old. The ten year old died today and that leaves the 5 year old alone. I'm not sure I want to give her away as she is not really laying any more and I don't live in an area where a lot of people have chickens. So, it would be hard to find someone and at the age of 5 I'm not sure how she would do with a move and a new flock. She has never been around a rooster. Getting more chickens is not an option. Would it be OK to have her be alone for the rest of her days? She is 5 and I know she could live a lot more years or not.

I’m sorry for your loss, it sounds like she lived a long happy life. I would recommend finding the thread of people in your state and seeing if anyone is willing to take in your other hen so that she’s not alone, but if she seems to be doing fine and keeping herself entertained then I think she’ll be fine on her own.

 

[50-45-1]

My neighbor had 4 hens, then in one day she lost 3 to the neighbors dog.
I tried to give my neighbor a pullet to keep Clare company but she refuses to take one.
I felt sorry for Clare but occasionally we do this neighbors chores while they are away and honestly Clare seems pretty happy with her life all my herself. She hangs out by the house all day, under the bird feeders and flower gardens. She will talk back to you when you speak to her and I see no stress in her. Clare is kind of spoiled and I think she is fine with her life.
I think she would initially fight with a new bird and that would stress everybody.
Enjoy your hen!
And thank you for providing a good life to your 2 chickens.

 

[agbell69]

sorry for your loss