Newbie - just lost first chicken! How soon to replace?

[kimmibobs]

Hi all,

I've lurked on here for years and seen some great advice for looking after my girls - so thank you! I've had two Black Rocks since Christmas 2011, Holly and Ivy, both of which laid brilliantly until about February this year. Sadly Ivy passed away sometime Saturday night/Sunday morning, not sure why. She'd been off her food and a bit unsociable the day before, but we had a toddler visiting and I thought she was just a bit grumpy! Anyway, poor Holly is now absolutely grief-stricken. The two of them have been inseparable since we got them at 12 weeks, and despite a bit of feather pecking (on both parts), were the best of friends. I'm now wondering how soon we should get a new friend for Holly. Any advice? Also, should we get one of the same breed (would she think it was Ivy?!), or go for something different?

All help very gratefully appreciated, I hate to see her so sad.

Kim

 

[chic05]

I'm no expert but as you would probably know chickens like to run around in flocks! If it was me I'd go get her a friend. Not sure if it matters if it's the same breed? Maybe someone can confirm that one? I have two isa browns and 1 Australorp and the Australorp appears to be the boss of the two isa??, so maybe getting the same breed might be a good call??? Good luck and sorry to hear about your chicken.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

So sorry for your loss. Chic05 X2...she needs a friend. You can get any breed as chickens don't know that sort of thing. Try to find a bird that is healthy and around her age. You might keep the new bird in a cage but always around Holly so they can get to know each other for a while before you mix them together. I would leave this bird in this cage for a couple weeks. (you can get her out, but I would keep her separate from Holly for health and safety reasons) In a couple weeks you should be able to mix them together. Always watch closely that day and the rest of that week after mixing and always intervene if it turns bloody.

Good luck and I hope you can find Holly a nice friend soon!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Sorry about the loss of Ivy. X3, chickens are happiest in a flock and Holly would probably be happiest with a friend, it will take them awhile to get used to each other. It doesn't have to be the same breed, but would try to get one of the same general temperament. TwoCrows gave you some good suggestions for letting them get used to each other, there is also a good article in the Learning Center https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock You probably want to get another hen asap, especially if you need to do a medical quarantine.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

X4 chickens thrive on other chicken contact so get her a friend. Sorry about your loss!

 

[drumstick diva]

You may even want to get two new friends of similar size, age, temperament if possible, so if something should happen to one, you won't have a lonely only again.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! I'm sorry about the loss of Ivy. It's always sad to lose one of your pets. You've received some good advice from the other members. Good luck in getting a friend (or two) for Holly.

 

[kimmibobs]

Aw thanks everyone for your advice! We're going to get her a friend today. Would getting two be a bad idea? I worry they might pick on Holly

 

[sandesnow]

You would be surprised at how the pecking order works. Being as you are bringing in new comers to her home, it is quite shocking to see that she will probably be the more aggressive one as it is her home and her stomping ground.

Personally, I wouldn't get another 3 year old hen if you are wanting egg production (If for just a pet and companion, no worries). I would go with pullets for a couple reasons. (that is just personal opinion, but the good thing is, do what you want to do, that will be the best for you!) The younger ones seem to bow down more to an older established hens. (Again, this could just be what I have experienced, not necessarily true to what -will- happen.) But.. the pecking order still happens, so you never know what will happen. It is a good idea to quarantine, then introduce. Then.. you just let thing run their course for up to 3 weeks. If anything gets bloody, intervene, but otherwise just let them alone to figure things out.

Good luck and so very sorry for your loss. I found 3 hens a perfect number. Don't be surprised if your hen mourns the loss of her friend for a week or so.. even halting any laying.

 

[kimmibobs]

Thank you all so much for your help. We got a new friend for her today - a young point of lay of the same breed. Holly looks rather unimpressed at the moment but I'll keep you all posted on their getting to know each other! Really appreciate the advice