One chicken left who is low pecking order - get her a friend?

[ZoeNightshade]

We had a horrible experience where a housesitter forgot to close the coop and 3 out of 4 chickens were killed by a raccoon. We have one little chicken left (4 months old, not laying yet) and she is the one who was always beat up on by the other ones. Lowest in the pecking order. She seems very lonely and depressed. Often doesn't leave the coop area to go into the run or outside on her own. I think she is such a "follower" that she doesn't know where to go without a buddy. I saw online that local people are selling one leghorn. I worry that if I get two chickens from the same flock, they will beat up on her. Should I get just one chicken to increase the chances they will be friends? I thought about giving her to a friend with a big flock, but I fear the same problem, that she will get beat up on.

 

[sourland]

I would definitely get at least one more chicken. A single chicken is generally a very sad chicken.

 

[iwiw60]

X2

 

[katelk]

Definitely get more chickens! It is hard to say to only buy one at a time/buy from different flocks, but the only experience I have buying hens to increase my flock, I bought 5 hens from the same flock to add to the 5 I already had. The new 5 totally took over. I think because they had been a part of a huge flock and my meek little ladies had only known each other since chickhood. I would definitely start out buying a single lady and let them bond first before adding any more. Or buy multiples from varying locations so they all enter the flock as newbies.
I am sorry to hear about your horrible experience! I hope this helps.