Pre-Flock Depression

[Hufflepuffin]

The sketchy guy we saved our babies from told us we had all hens. A month later we are finding that not to be the case.

We are pretty sure our “Blossom” is a roo and we can’t have them in our county. So, we will prolly have to place her/him.

My question is, when Blossom goes to a new home, will my flock of 6 experience depression from his departure? How can I best help them through it

 

[humblehillsfarm]

How old is this chicken?

 

[AgnesGray]

I have found that the younger they are, the better they all do. Once he is older, there will be more interest in people taking him to eat. When they are young, they integrate better in the new flock, especially if there are other boys in the flock.

Your remaining flock will be fine.

 

[Hufflepuffin]

How old is this chicken?

He is about 7wks old

 

[Hufflepuffin]

I have found that the younger they are, the better they all do. Once he is older, there will be more interest in people taking him to eat. When they are young, they integrate better in the new flock, especially if there are other boys in the flock.

Your remaining flock will be fine.

We found a perfect home for him! 12 Chickens and they are looking for a younger roo to add to their flock.
But thank you for letting me know the other girls should be ok! I get so worried about them.

 

[LizzzyJo]

I always expect that a flock will care more about individual losses than they do. It’s kind of sad - but they generally don’t seem to notice. I would say the exception is a long-term (years) bonded best friend pair.

 

[aart]

My question is, when Blossom goes to a new home, will my flock of 6 experience depression from his departure?

No, they'll be fine.
If he was older and had started mounting, they would be ecstatic at his departure.