Rooster seems sad after the passing of his favorite hen

[EvanAlexJames]

Hey, guys. I don’t know for sure if this is the right thread to put this in, but I could really use some advice.

My oldest hen, Bertha, suddenly passed today. Sweet girl has been sitting on eggs all week and has been perfectly fine. The rest of the flock is fine. I think she was just ready to go, as she was quite a bit older than the others, but she’s always been such a good momma hen and I’m really sad to see her go.

Bertha was mated to Hendrix. The two have been inseparable since I got them last year (and for years before that, from what I hear). Hendrix loved Bertha and since her passing, he’s been more agitated. He’s pacing around the run (probably looking for his girl), and he just seems distraugh.

I don’t know if I’m personifying him or not, but does anyone have any advice for how to help him transition into life after love? I’ve never seen a bond so strong between two chickens and I just don’t know how to help him. I worry he may decide to move on as well, and I’d like to do everything I can to keep him here.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Very sorry to read that you lost Bertha. I’m a big believer in animals mourning for each other. I hope you find this article helpful ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/do-poultry-mourn-over-the-loss-of-a-flock-mate.67429/

 

[EvanAlexJames]

Very sorry to read that you lost Bertha. I’m a big believer in animals mourning for each other. I hope you find this article helpful ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/do-poultry-mourn-over-the-loss-of-a-flock-mate.67429/

that was so sad to read, but definitely sounds like when my Henny’s going through. I hope he’ll be okay.

 

[aart]

He's definitely looking for her.
Were these the only two chickens you had?

 

[EvanAlexJames]

He's definitely looking for her.
Were these the only two chickens you had?

No, but the two of them never cared for any others In the coop except their two kids that Bertha hatched out last year, but even then, they merely tolerated them after the baby stage

 

[aart]

No, but the two of them never cared for any others In the coop except their two kids that Bertha hatched out last year, but even then, they merely tolerated them after the baby stage

Are there other males present?
If not, he eventually merge with the rest of the flock.

 

[EvanAlexJames]

Are there other males present?
If not, he eventually merge with the rest of the flock.

There are two other boys in the coop. They’ve always just left each other alone, but With the new dynamic, I don’t know how it will play out over the next few days/weeks

 

[aart]

There are two other boys in the coop. They’ve always just left each other alone, but With the new dynamic, I don’t know how it will play out over the next few days/weeks

I'd expect anything from some minor scuffling to bloodied boys.

 

[EvanAlexJames]

I'd expect anything from some minor scuffling to bloodied boys.

*sigh* I hate this. I hate when anything bad happens to them.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree - any vulnerability - I would imagine there is a good chance those younger boys are going to pull something. I would have a plan B set up and ready to go as in a way to separate them.