Two-hen flocks

[hennypenner]

With my former flocks, a couple of times I wound up with only two girls for quite awhile and everything seemed good. Happy henners and plenty of eggs. But recently, I’ve seen articles that say you should never have a 2 hen flock if you want the girls to thrive. How do you all feel about this? My two are extremely happy and don’t seem to need more. I welcome your feedback.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

With my former flocks, a couple of times I wound up with only two girls for quite awhile and everything seemed good. Happy henners and plenty of eggs. But recently, I’ve seen articles that say you should never have a 2 hen flock if you want the girls to thrive. How do you all feel about this? My two are extremely happy and don’t seem to need more. I welcome your feedback.

I don't think birds who were originally in a large flock could easily transition to one so small, but raised from chicks, together...

 

[hennypenner]

I don't think birds who were originally in a large flock could easily transition to one so small, but raised from chicks, together...

These two have been raised from six week olds and are very bonded.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

The main idea is in a flock of two, if one does, the other will be alone until you find more

 

[chickenlover007]

Honestly I think it would be a mistake to introduce a new chicken now unless you had one of your girls hatch chicks or you really wanted more eggs. JacinLarkwell is right, the idea is just that if one dies, you'll still have 2 more. If your chickens are happy I don't see any reason to change things

 

[hennypenner]

The main idea is in a flock of two, if one does, the other will be alone until you find more

Thanks so much! That’s about what I figured, but am glad to hear you say that. If I lose one of my little ladies, I’ll add two more for a flock of three. Appreciate the responses. Haveagreat week!

 

[Ab1010]

Honestly I think it would be a mistake to introduce a new chicken now unless you had one of your girls hatch chicks or you really wanted more eggs. JacinLarkwell is right, the idea is just that if one dies, you'll still have 2 more. If your chickens are happy I don't see any reason to change things

Yeah mu step mom had a flock that died down to 2 and they are extremely bonded and don't prefer any other chickens. One just hatched an egg out for me so we will see if the other likes it.

 

[Chickassan]

2 hen flocks turn into 0 hen flocks very quickly.
When one dies the other is likely to pass a few days after especially if they were long term flockmates.
Chickens don't do change well at all, a new bowl shakes them.
They simply cease to be once their flock is gone.