Should I let my 12-yr old solo hen re-learn to live alone?

[LindaKos]

I have a 12-year old hen. Her "friend" since birth died over 3 years ago and I got an 1-yr old chicken for her at that time. They fought for a few weeks but then have been fine together these past 3 years. The younger one, never layed an egg, while my 12-yr old has continued to lay eggs. However, the young one died today. I really don't want to get another hen for her, given her age, but how long will it take for her to get used to living alone. She has full run of my backyard during the day.

 

[cherrynberry]

I have a 12-year old hen. Her "friend" since birth died over 3 years ago and I got an 1-yr old chicken for her at that time. They fought for a few weeks but then have been fine together these past 3 years. The younger one, never layed an egg, while my 12-yr old has continued to lay eggs. However, the young one died today. I really don't want to get another hen for her, given her age, but how long will it take for her to get used to living alone. She has full run of my backyard during the day.

What breed is the younger hen that never layed?

 

[cherrynberry]

And also I wouldn't let her live alone...are you going to just not have any more chickens from now on? Cause its almost spring and with spring coming chicks are going to be cheaper and more available

 

[Ebony Rose]

Congratulations on having such a fine old girl. It would really be hell on earth for her to live alone as chickens are very social creatures; it would be like solitary confinement for her. Absolutely miserable.

 

[Artichoke Lover]

Are you planning on getting more chickens after she passes? I wouldn’t let her be alone chickens are very social animals and she would likely be lonely and scared.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

I have a 12-year old hen. Her "friend" since birth died over 3 years ago and I got an 1-yr old chicken for her at that time. They fought for a few weeks but then have been fine together these past 3 years. The younger one, never layed an egg, while my 12-yr old has continued to lay eggs. However, the young one died today. I really don't want to get another hen for her, given her age, but how long will it take for her to get used to living alone. She has full run of my backyard during the day.

I'm so sorry for your loss
Welcome to the community. I think you should get her a friend but if you're not in that position, it's all a guessing game on how long an animal will mourn so, just give her time. What's her and their names?

 

[LindaKos]

The 3 yr old hen that died was a Wyandotte. The older one is Ameraucana, and lays pale seafood green eggs.

 

[LindaKos]

I'm so sorry for your loss
Welcome to the community. I think you should get her a friend but if you're not in that position, it's all a guessing game on how long an animal will mourn so, just give her time. What's her and their names?

The Wyandotte that died was "Winnie" and the elder girl is "Ms Chicken Little!"

 

[LindaKos]

I'm so sorry for your loss
Welcome to the community. I think you should get her a friend but if you're not in that position, it's all a guessing game on how long an animal will mourn so, just give her time. What's her and their names?

The one who dies was "Winnie" and the elder girl is "Ms Chicken Little"

 

[LindaKos]

And also I wouldn't let her live alone...are you going to just not have any more chickens from now on? Cause its almost spring and with spring coming chicks are going to be cheaper and more available

I'm paring down - my husband passed a year ago and with 2 large dogs, the chickens and even couple of aquatic turtles - all my husband's idea - I need to slow the menagerie down rather than build it back up.