Opinions on my last hen

[MassChick]

I have one hen left and at this time I am not getting more chickens. I have reached out to try to re-home her but everyone says it's really hard to introduce just one hen into an existing flock and she will never be accepted and probably picked on. Do I keep trying or just keep her as my only hen? She's very social and I just feel bad that she's going to be lonely without any friends.

 

[staceyj]

This is sad news.
Some people suggest a mirror and a stuffed animal or two...
Have you put a nicely worded add on Craig's list in your area? "Lonely hen needs a new home" or such...
If not, I'd suggest giving it a try and post in the FREE,
PETS, and FARM AND GARDEN sections.
Also check your locality for "chicken rescue groups",
Farm animal sanctuaries,
Even your local animal shelter or humane society.

If all else fails,
Have you considered making her a house chicken?
There are many people here who keep house chickens very successfully.
I'm sure if you created a thread about that you'd get several responses.

 

[staceyj]

Try these:

 

[chickenmama109]

it is true you cant put only one hen in a flock and chickens like to be in flocks maybe you could try to find some one that is going to be putting more chickens in there flock and they can take that hen with the others good luck with your hen

 

[MassChick]

Thank you for all your responses. I may try a sanctuary. I love her so much and would keep her as a house chicken in a heartbeat but I don't think my husband would go for it. Plus we have a dachshund. They have VERY high prey drive.

 

[staceyj]

It's not impossible to integrate one chicken into a flock, it just takes work and patience.
Don't give up just yet.

 

[MassChick]

It's not impossible to integrate one chicken into a flock, it just takes work and patience.
Don't give up just yet.

Ok thank you. I really want this to work for her. She's very social.

 

[staceyj]

Masschick I just saw another one of your threads pop up on my news feed. I didn't realize you'd had recent losses in your flock due to a respiratory illness.

First off I'm so sorry for what you've been going through since illness and loss are heartbreaking.

It does however make rehoming your existing hen more complicated since she's likely a carrier and could threaten the health of a flock she'd be re-homed too. I'd be sure to be forthcoming with this factor when talking to a sanctuary or rescue group.
Many hugs to you.

 

[Birdinhand]

you just need to find the right situation, maybe someone taking several new chickens in at the same time, a flock of orphans perhaps? if you work from home or are home all the time then maybe she can be a house chicken and live a good life but otherwise I'd think she's going to get lonely.

 

[MassChick]

Masschick I just saw another one of your threads pop up on my news feed. I didn't realize you'd had recent losses in your flock due to a respiratory illness.

First off I'm so sorry for what you've been going through since illness and loss are heartbreaking.

It does however make rehoming your existing hen more complicated since she's likely a carrier and could threaten the health of a flock she'd be re-homed too. I'd be sure to be forthcoming with this factor when talking to a sanctuary or rescue group.
Many hugs to you.

Thank you. I am definitely watching her and so far she's doing great. Anyone that I have been talking to I've been letting them know that I did lose my other girl to a respiratory virus. I would never want anyone's flock to get sick. Can chickens be a carrier without being sick? She seems fine so far.