Only one chicken

[Marcellaandholly]

I had to put one of my hens down today, she was almost 5 and the vet said that was the best. I only had two chickens so my other hen is alone now. I'm so sad for her and don't know what to do?

 

[ChocolateMouse]

It may be possible to find 1-2 retired laying hens looking for a home for cheap or free on your local craigslist.

 

[Marcellaandholly]

Can I introduce other adults?

 

[Mtnboomer]

Lone birds do just fine. May want to think about some environmental enrichment ideas but I think most hens prefer at least 1 more bird to share their life with

 

[ChocolateMouse]

You can absolutely introduce other adults. Just take it slow. A week or two of see-but-can't-touch. Then pop them all on the roostbar together at night. There might be a little fussing as pecking order is established but it usually works well.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Can I introduce other adults?

Yes of similar size and age preferred but younger may be better. Expect a little squabbling as the 2 decide who will be in charge

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm so sorry!
I agree with @ChocolateMouse I would try to find her a friend or two

 

[aart]

Some tips on .....

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Marcellaandholly]

Thank you everyone! I so appreciate the advice, everyone is so great. So the flock that I got my single hen from is down to two hens now. I took the two hens that I had because the one that died was getting bullied very very badly. So these two came to live with me. Well now that the poor little girl that was getting bullied has died I'm thinking of just bringing the other two hens here, as my friend just had a baby and they will get more attention here. So, these hens have lived together before, about six months ago, and the hen that I have left now never had any issues with the other two. I'm wondering if that will make all the introductions easier?? Or do chickens not have memories like that?!

 

[aart]

I'm wondering if that will make all the introductions easier?? Or do chickens not have memories like that?!

Doubtful....you can try, but don't count on it.