Single vs multiple chickens.

[cray54]

It is my understanding that some animals are more social than others. Some are fine by themselves, some are fine with part-time human interaction while some require constant animal interaction.

We have a Rhode Island Red rooster that was introduced into a flock of about 50 last fall. We have moved and are considering separating him from the flock. Based on current research / ideas would we be doing him a disservice by separating him from that flock? Or, would he be none-the-wiser within a few days and content with part-time human interaction?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Chickens are social creatures and are happiest when in a flock even if it's only a tiny flock (3-4).

 

[Becky_H]

I have a single rooster - who is a pet. He is happy as such, but he was separated from his flock at a young age (3-4 months) and has *CONSTANT* human and animal attention. He lives the life of a parrot - play-stand, huge cage, and his diaper wearing butt is usually parked on the loveseat with a child (or cat, or me) in front of the TV. He has outside time (duh) with people. He hangs out with the cats (and mounts them *facepalm*) and is a very, very sweet boy.

But - if you're planning on putting him in a pen and petting him 15 minutes a day, don't. Just - seriously, seriously, don't. They're more social than dogs or cats, by far. They're not bright, but they NEED a lot of companionship to be happy.

 

[cray54]

He would only be penned at night, free during the day. I work from home and do maintenance here for the family farm, so I am often outside here. I suppose we could get a couple chicks, I just don't want them learning his bad habits. Maybe I'll leave him where he is.