Solitary chicken

[unbaked pegga]

Unfortunately, it seems the only time I come to backyard. Chickens is free, and I have a I I I have a dire emergency. Like now. Last summer a raccoon got into the coop and killed all but two chickens They were e loved pets. So until last night, I only had the two chickens. And then one of them died so now I only have one and I don’t think I could get another chicken in this cold weather. And I am worried about her. I know chickens are social animals And do not do well by their self. But I don’t want to lose her and I don’t know what to do exactly. Can someone please help me with this. I am so distraught.

 

[HollyWoozle]

I’m sorry for the loss of your other chicken. Are you able to travel in the weather? I’m in the U.K. but understand the weather in the US has been wild in some areas. I guess you also have avian flu zones and maybe are not allowed to move birds in some cases?

If it’s safe and permitted to travel then I would try to find someone else with chickens to take her. Otherwise I would just do your best to care for her until you can find her a new home or get more chickens yourself. Although they’re not ideally kept alone, she will survive it and your safety should be the main priority.

 

[Callender Girl]

I am very sorry that you and your hen lost her beloved companion.

Yes, chickens are social creatures and, ideally, would have other chicken friends. However, sometimes circumstances make that impossible. Current weather here in the Midwest would certainly prevent most of your options.

Interact with her as much as you can. I agree with @HollyWoozle, she is able to survive being alone. Do all you can to lift her spirits; best wishes to you both.

BTW, circumstances have forced one of my hens to live alone, away from the flock, for her entire life. She and my blind cat actually both make little trilling sounds, and sometimes seem to "talk" to each other. Sometimes, in life, strange friendships blossom.

 

[unbaked pegga]

I’m sorry for the loss of your other chicken. Are you able to travel in the weather? I’m in the U.K. but understand the weather in the US has been wild in some areas. I guess you also have avian flu zones and maybe are not allowed to move birds in some cases?

If it’s safe and permitted to travel then I would try to find someone else with chickens to take her. Otherwise I would just do your best to care for her until you can find her a new home or get more chickens yourself. Although they’re not ideally kept alone, she will survive it and your safety should be the main priority.

I am very sorry that you and your hen lost her beloved companion.

Yes, chickens are social creatures and, ideally, would have other chicken friends. However, sometimes circumstances make that impossible. Current weather here in the Midwest would certainly prevent most of your options.

Interact with her as much as you can. I agree with @HollyWoozle, she is able to survive being alone. Do all you can to lift her spirits; best wishes to you both.

BTW, circumstances have forced one of my hens to live alone, away from the flock, for her entire life. She and my blind cat actually both make little trilling sounds, and sometimes seem to "talk" to each other. Sometimes, in life, strange friendships blossom.as

Thank you so much for replying. I haven’t been able to sleep because I have been so distraught over this. Yes the weather here in Tennessee has been frigid and Snow I hate to try and rehome her she is already stressed. I always visit the chickens at least twice a day. I thought about putting a radio in ther. what do you think ?

 

[RoyalChick]

Thank you so much for replying. I haven’t been able to sleep because I have been so distraught over this. Yes the weather here in Tennessee has been frigid and Snow I hate to try and rehome her she is already stressed. I always visit the chickens at least twice a day. I thought about putting a radio in ther. what do you think ?

Mine love the radio so that sounds like a good idea.
Do you know any chicken keepers locally? They might be willing to give/sell you a couple of grown chickens. Remember to quarantine before introducing them.
Try posting on your state thread here on BYC, but also look for local facebook groups, any local farms selling eggs etc.

 

[Callender Girl]

I totally understand your sleeplessness!

We just had a horrible blizzard here -- winds up to 45 mph and temps below zero. One of my hens was going through a very late molt and was doing very poorly in one of the coops. I brought Eleanor indoors, even though I thought it would stress her, moving and separating her from her flock.

I initially avoided turning on the TV upstairs in case that would bother her, too.

She has been indoors for several days now and is doing better. The TV doesn't seem to bother her (it's in an adjoining room), and I know that she is warm and well fed. Extremely well fed.

I hope you can find a way to keep your girl; you clearly love her.

BTW, I have no idea how I am going to integrate her back into a frigid coop with her flock mates. I just knew I couldn't let her die out there, cold and unwell. I'll think of something, I guess.