New here but not to chickens

[Ironwomanjen]

Surfing how to help my depressed bird. I have never seen to this degree and I want to help. Very sad lavender orphington was tightly bonded to a Rhode Island red and an Easter egger. They died in the past 3 months and she has become a loner. She doesn't bother to put herself inside anymore. She eats, but there is no joy in it. She is such a lost little soul. Please do not respond if you can't see them for the sentient beings they are.

 

[The cheek coop]

Welcome to the flock!
We’re so glad you’re here.

 

[SilverBirds]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
Have you thought about getting her some new friends to bond with? They are flock animals and as you are seeing with your girl, don't do well alone. Also, have you checked her for some sort of illness or injury? It's possible that the depression weakend her immune system and she is now suffering from some sort of sickness.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. So Glad to have you here in this fun poultry loving community.

 

[Jener8or]

I bet that is hard for both of you! Watching a chicken go through that would be heart-wrenching. I know animals are so perceptive and their relationships with each other are precious as well. I wish I was more helpful and I hope she regains her happiness soon! Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I'm so sorry. I assume she is alone now? Or do you have other hens?
If she is alone, will you add to your flock so she has company? If thats not possible can you spend more time with her and can you house her indoors at night so she feels safe?

 

[Tookie]

Hello, welcome to BYC! I'm so sorry about your hen, and for your losses. I suggest getting a couple more hens for your lone hen to bond with.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! I'm so sorry for your losses. She needs some friends.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello Jen, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

Poor girl. Personally, I would set up a brooder in the coop with her. A large wired in area with a brooder plate and brood 3 chicks with her so they can grow up with her watching. When they are 3-4 weeks old, fashion a door or two in their enclosure that only they can fit through so they can escape back to the brooder if she goes after them.
Her being an Orpington, she will hopefully be quite gentle with them and they may roost with her quite early.

Good luck finding her some flock mates. She will be very much happier with her own kind around her 24/7.