Only one left

[Samitche]

I had 3 hens and a rooster. Unfortunately all but 3 were killed recently when I let them out to free range. I have some eggs incubating, but they won't be ready to introduce for several weeks. Can one hen survive on her own (she has a coop and large run so she is safe from predators).

 

[LaurEliz]

I'm so sorry to hear about your chickens!
While chickens do enjoy the company of friends, I have had similar situations where I had one survive on her own for quite a while before new friends arrived. I think your remaining hen will be fine.

 

[Samitche]

I'm so sorry to hear about your chickens!
While chickens do enjoy the company of friends, I have had similar situations where I had one survive on her own for quite a while before new friends arrived. I think your remaining hen will be fine.

Thank you for the quick response. I’ve arranged to give her away but I’m heartbroken. If she can survive 6 weeks or so alone without too much stress, I’d love to keep her.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

She will be fine if you spend some time with her and give her treats daily. She will miss her flock mates but won't pine away.

Your babes will need introduction to her carefully as they won't be ready for integration for a bit. Raising them in a way that she can see and hear them, but not chase them, would be beneficial for all.

LofMc

 

[Samitche]

I will try that. She’s friendly and always comes to me when I have treats for her. I can separate the run so the new chicks have their own coop and she can see them but can’t get to them until they are ready.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Sounds like a plan to me. If you are really lucky, she may consider herself a blessed auntie and coo over the young ones...but that is unlikely unless she becomes broody...or lonely enough to be excited to hover over the little ones.

If she clucks at them with a little chook, chook, chook when she finds food, she is calling them like a momma hen to her chicks which would indicate that she may be happy to mingle with them...but obviously more commonly the larger, oldest bird declares herself queen and insists all others remain out of her way.

Good luck with your new little brood. I'm so sorry that you lost the majority of your first flock. Hopefully that has been solved now.

Lofmc

 

[Samitche]

Sounds like a plan to me. If you are really lucky, she may consider herself a blessed auntie and coo over the young ones...but that is unlikely unless she becomes broody...or lonely enough to be excited to hover over the little ones.

If she clucks at them with a little chook, chook, chook when she finds food, she is calling them like a momma hen to her chicks which would indicate that she may be happy to mingle with them...but obviously more commonly the larger, oldest bird declares herself queen and insists all others remain out of her way.

Good luck with your new little brood. I'm so sorry that you lost the majority of your first flock. Hopefully that has been solved now.

Lofmc

Thank you! I hope I can keep her happy and sweet until the newbies arrive. I’ll keep a close eye on everyone. She was always the runt of the 3 hens so maybe she will show some compassion.