Piper died suddenly with no explanation

[showjumper_girl2002]

So right now Nugget is by herself Will she be ok by herself for a while? I'm going to get 2 more, but I want to get chicks as I like to bond with them since I raise them as my pets and part of my family. Will she be alright until they're old enough to go in the coop or should I just get an older pullet? I do go out and spend time with her after work so she does get some companion time. I'd love your thoughts and suggestions.

 

[abraga]

So right now Nugget is by herself Will she be ok by herself for a while? I'm going to get 2 more, but I want to get chicks as I like to bond with them since I raise them as my pets and part of my family. Will she be alright until they're old enough to go in the coop or should I just get an older pullet? I do go out and spend time with her after work so she does get some companion time. I'd love your thoughts and suggestions.

Comming up Virginia way anytime soon? I have some nice bramahs I just hatched yesterday.

 

[abraga]

So right now Nugget is by herself Will she be ok by herself for a while? I'm going to get 2 more, but I want to get chicks as I like to bond with them since I raise them as my pets and part of my family. Will she be alright until they're old enough to go in the coop or should I just get an older pullet? I do go out and spend time with her after work so she does get some companion time. I'd love your thoughts and suggestions.

How old is nugget? If you get babies u will need to keep them separated at 1st or she will most likely peck them. After a couple weeks you can introduce them..turn them out a bit while feeding treats so they r a bit preoccupied w/food. She will still most likely chase them..the pecking order thingy...shirt visits together supervised initially, then u should be able to keep them together when the chicks are old enough to figure out how to deal with her.

 

[showjumper_girl2002]

How old is nugget? If you get babies u will need to keep them separated at 1st or she will most likely peck them. After a couple weeks you can introduce them..turn them out a bit while feeding treats so they r a bit preoccupied w/food. She will still most likely chase them..the pecking order thingy...shirt visits together supervised initially, then u should be able to keep them together when the chicks are old enough to figure out how to deal with her.

That was my plan. I'm just concerned Nugget will be really lonely until they're old enough to stay out with her.

 

[Kiki]

Chicks are usually born/hatched outside.

There is no reason why you couldn't brood them outside.
I would set up a wire wall at first to make sure the big girl doesn't attack the little ones though.

 

[abraga]

That was my plan. I'm just concerned Nugget will be really lonely until they're old enough to stay out with her.

Ur in Fla. I think the weather there is pretty nice right now..they should b able to b out to keep her company as long as they r separate. I live up in the mountains/va. We still get some 50/60 degree nights. My chicks r in the coops by 3wks..no heat.

 

[neophyte17]

He said he didnt which I found strange cause i thought it would be part of a necropsy. But I wormed them all three weeks ago

 

[showjumper_girl2002]

Ur in Fla. I think the weather there is pretty nice right now..they should b able to b out to keep her company as long as they r separate. I live up in the mountains/va. We still get some 50/60 degree nights. My chicks r in the coops by 3wks..no heat.

The only thing I'm concerned about is it being too hot for them. I had to move my 2 girls into my bathroom when they were still in the brooder because they were panting really bad when I had them on my porch.

 

[critterkeeper83]

Sorry for your loss We lost one of our easter eggers last week too. She was about 3 years old and perfectly healthy. Acting completely normal the day before. But when my daughter went out to feed them the next morning she was dead in the coop. No damage or obvious stress. She looked like she settled down for a nap and never woke up. Her sister and the other chickens are still completely fine. The only thing we can take solace in is that she passed peacefully without stress or fear.

 

[abraga]

The only thing I'm concerned about is it being too hot for them. I had to move my 2 girls into my bathroom when they were still in the brooder because they were panting really bad when I had them on my porch.

Perhaps you can cage/crate some chicks in her coop? That's what I do. I cage them with my others for a week so they can get used to the chicks. Or..when your home..bring the babies outside to spend a few hours a day with her in a cage supervised. That way..your hen will still have some company for a few hours every day.