Rehome or keep last chicken? We are done for now

[katienewcomb]

We are down to one hen. A raccoon got her buddy about 4 months ago and she seemed fine at first, was laying well, etc (she's 5 years old) but then she went broody (always does at least once a summer) and never stopped. Its been over a month and she spends all day in the nesting box. She'll come eat and drink water if I shoo her out but otherwise she's in there all day.

We are at a point in life where we're going to take a break from chickens for a while so my question is: do I try to rehome her or let her live out her days alone in our backyard? I don't mind her retiring back there but if she's lonely and not doing well I'd rather do something else.

Also, is it even possible to rehome a chicken whose (possibly) done laying? Thank you!

 

[AlleysChicks]

If she's broody give her fertilized eggs to hatch and sell her and the chicks together after they hatch. Most people won't buy a chicken that's not laying.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

hi, I dont think its fair to keep just one because they are flock animals an if she isnt sick she sounds depressed. I would look for a home for her but since you say you dont mind her being out there I bet it wouldnt be hard to find her an older buddy.

 

[AquaDuck]

I agree that she shouldn't be alone, she'll be lonely. Seems like she already is. Being broody for a long time takes a toll on her body, so you should definitely do something with her. Either add a friend, or rehome her to the right place. Finding a home for her won't be easy, but by asking around you might find someone willing to take her in for a new forever home.
Being five, she could have many years ahead of her.

 

[Lauramay1980]

The poor gal She's probably lonely. I agree with the other folks find a companion or rehome her. I would take her if I was closer. Let her sit on my hens eggs

 

[lazy gardener]

I would opt to rehome her now. You'll not have any trouble finding a good home for her (you need to be selective in her case) b/c of her history of being broody. People love having a broody in their flock. Sending her to a new flock now just might break up her broody streak, or she can hatch out some chicks at her new home. No matter whether she stays or goes, she needs eggs to hatch or her broodiness needs to be broken.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree, get some chicks, slip them under her. Then give that group away. People will take her as chicks and broody hen are fun and easy. I don't think she will last much longer, myself, I never have had a bird get that old on me.

Mrs K

 

[texsuze]

Where are you located? Thanks!