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Willowb78

Willowb78

In the Brooder
Nov 29, 2017
6
17
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Hey All!
My name is Willow, I live in Colorado and until last Saturday I had three of the sweetest Buff Orpingtons ever. Got them as chicks in February. I didn't realize how much I would love them. I never thought of having chickens as pets but they were my buddies.
Anyway, Saturday morning before sunrise a raccoon got two of my chickens. I was in shock for a day but then I got really depressed. Im worried about my one remaining chicken, Fluffy. I don't know if it's ok to keep just one chicken. I dont want her to be lonely or extra vulnerable. I've been bringing her into the sunroom at night in a dog kennel to keep her safe and warm but i don't know if that is right either. Any suggestions would be welcome, i looked at the forums for introducing new chickens to your flock but i don't know how to adapt them when my flock is now just one chicken.
 
When i have had few hens, it was actually easier to introduce new flock members. As your hen is by herself, there isn't a pecking order issue. She IS the pecking order.

I have one older Buff and had a similar experience. She is 6 years old, and the last surviving member of her initial flock of 13. She is a sweet "boss lady." The younger hens have their own order, and the buff gets to just come and go as she pleases.

I am so sorry you lost your others. I know how traumatic it is when a predator takes our hens. It sounds like you are doing right by your remaining gal. If you choose to give her a new flock, don't be intimidated.
 
CorvusFarm said:
When i have had few hens, it was actually easier to introduce new flock members. As your hen is by herself, there isn't a pecking order issue. She IS the pecking order.

I have one older Buff and had a similar experience. She is 6 years old, and the last surviving member of her initial flock of 13. She is a sweet "boss lady." The younger hens have their own order, and the buff gets to just come and go as she pleases.

I am so sorry you lost your others. I know how traumatic it is when a predator takes our hens. It sounds like you are doing right by your remaining gal. If you choose to give her a new flock, don't be intimidated.
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Thank you so much, like i said, i really wasn't expecting to love them like i do. I cut up chicken appropriate veggies for them and just really enjoyed them. Fluffy is around 9 months old, I've found more buffies that are around 3.5 months old, fluffy was never peckish and has always been very sweet, but i dont know if i should get two more and keep them apart for a few more months? Look for chickens that are older? Or just keep fluffy by herself. Or maybe just get one more for now?
 
Hello:frow​
Welcome to BYC!!
So glad to have you here!!
Thanks for sharing your story!!
There are many people on here that are ready to help in anyway they can!
The learning center also has alot of great information on it as well!
Enjoy!:wee​
 
Willowb78 said:
Thank you so much, like i said, i really wasn't expecting to love them like i do. I cut up chicken appropriate veggies for them and just really enjoyed them. Fluffy is around 9 months old, I've found more buffies that are around 3.5 months old, fluffy was never peckish and has always been very sweet, but i dont know if i should get two more and keep them apart for a few more months? Look for chickens that are older? Or just keep fluffy by herself. Or maybe just get one more for now?
Click to expand...

So sorry for your loss :hugs

I would either add one about her age, or get a few that are younger. She will teach them, and younger ones are less likely to gang up on her, like might happen if you got 2-3 older ones.
And you are not alone. I never dreamed chickens would rule my world. :D
 
As was said earlier, going with younger hens will be helpful for your Fluffy. Older hens, especially if they have already been together, can be cliquish and bullying. But she will teach younger ones, especially if you brood a couple of peeps rather than going with older chicks. I've always gone with babies rather than older pullets, so that is my own experience and preference.

And like you, I had No idea how much I would fall in love with my ladies, or how hard it would be to lose them. You're doing great!
 
:welcome:celebrate

Glad you're here Willow!

Very sorry for your loss.... and I vote adding in a couple of younger chickens. Fluffy would be better to have the company and yes, as previously stated, will teach them young'uns whats what! I think you bringing her into the sun room is smart, since you don't have a secure place for her outside at night.... correct?

Several people have house chickens. If it is possible for you, it might be something you'd like to consider.
 

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