One hen. A friend?

[Random Fluffy Chicken]

I was left with one hen last year. I had two lovely ladies last July, but sadly one passed away due to a unknown disease. I always wonder if my remaining hen is lonely, I let her free range, and I also try to keep her company by talking to her, but I think that it would be better if she had someone who could actually understand her and keep her company. I’m wondering if I should get another hen. My remaining hen is about 4 or 5 years old at the most, so should I get someone the same age or younger? Below is a photo of my girl Camila.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

She probably is lonely, but it could take some time for them to get used to each other if you got another hen. I’d keep them separate but within site of each other for a week or two, and you’d want to quarantine them for a few weeks before that, ideally.

 

[Jeanw]

Hi there, I think a companion would be great if it’s possible.

 

[Random Fluffy Chicken]

She probably is lonely, but it could take some time for them to get used to each other if you got another hen. I’d keep them separate but within site of each other for a week or two, and you’d want to quarantine them for a few weeks before that, ideally.

How many weeks should I quarantine the new hen?

 

[Artichoke Lover]

I would certainly get her a buddy she’s likely lonely and probably still has a least a few years yet I would get 2 younger grown hens around 1 or 2 young enough to still be in good health but old enough to be buddies to her.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

How many weeks should I quarantine the new hen?

Standard recommendation is 30 days to ensure either chicken isn’t sick, but I know that is difficult for some people to manage. They have to be totally kept apart, and biosafety measures (like not wearing the same shoes from one enclosure to another) should be taken. That’s a lot to ask with one hen. I’ve never introduced new birds to each other before, always just chicks from a hatchery or hatched at home.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I would certainly get her a buddy she’s likely lonely and probably still has a least a few years yet I would get 2 younger grown hens around 1 or 2 young enough to still be in good health but old enough to be buddies to her.

Yes getting two would make the most sense in case something happens to the older hen.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I would give her a buddy, maybe even two so your not left in the same predicament if one dies. As others have said, make sure she has a good integration. Also, I think as long as the new hen isn’t a very young bird, it doesn’t have to be as old as your other one. Maybe a year or two old. Hope this helps!

 

[Byrd gal]

Please get her a friend, well, two .If you had no human contact you would be lonely. Chickens are flock ( social) animals. They are more intelligent than most people think.

 

[Random Fluffy Chicken]

Alrighty, I’ll try and find her a friend. I’ll also remember to separate the two when the new hen arrives, I’ll let them see each other though. Thanks everyone