One lonely hen...

[PurpleBun]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping for some advice.

I rehomed 3 ex-commercial hens last September (Holly, Ivy & Conifer - shortened to Connie!). Sadly Holly succumbed about 2 months ago to an infection following an egg binding; the remaining 2 were living well until Connie became ill recently - I came home Sunday evening to find she had fallen down the coop ramp and couldn't get up. We kept her warm and comfortable but she died a few hours later. Ivy has no signs of being unwell.

Ivy's now looking extremely lonely and it's heartbreaking seeing her searching for company. She followed me around the garden today - which she doesn't normally do.

So here's the question...

I'm considering how to introduce some new friends for her. I'm thinking of 3 new chickens, but don't know whether to look towards chicks that don't need heat (e.g. 10 weeks), 18 weeks or adults.

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions?

 

[sourland]

Go with whichever method is easier for you to obtain. Whatever the situation there will be some scuffling so chicks would have to be grown out prior to introduction. Generally I would say quarantine prior to introduction, but given the circumstances (older ex battery hen who may have limited time left) I would get her company as soon as is possible. Good luck in getting some company for her.

 

[Peeps61]

Yes, as Sourland suggests, bigger birds might be better because they can be introduced right after the quarantine period. There will be scuffling, but if they free range together, then they should work it all out fairly quickly. Mine still chase each other off the roosts so that the higher hens on the pecking order get their choice of spots to roost, then the others fill in. It will all work out! Bless you for homing ex-battery hens!