Only One Chicken Left... Not Sure What to Do

[Jackie777]

Hi! I haven't done this in a while, so I'm really sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place. So, some neighborhood dogs got out and chased my chickens earlier this week. They didn't catch them or hurt them, but one of them (Christine) ran off and hasn't come back. I've been looking all over for her, but it's been two days and I don't think she is coming back.

My problem is that I only have one chicken left (Oreo) and she is a seven year old cuckoo maran. I know chickens generally need other chickens to be happy, although Oreo seems to be ok so far. My original flock of four is down to one, and I can't bear to give her to someone else, but everything I have read says to introduce new chickens around the same age. Personally, I would much rather introduce younger chickens so I can start getting eggs again. Oreo has always been really sweet and docile, but also on the bottom of the pecking order. I'm worried she'll get bullied if I try to introduce new, younger chickens. These are the first chickens I have ever had, so I've never tried introducing new chickens before. Should I let Oreo live out her retirement solo, or does anyone have advice for what to do?

Any help is appreciated! Thank you so much!

 

[Jackie777]

They are no different than us.....she needs a friend. Though i do understand your dilema...but she is no doubt lonely.