What is the effect on the other chickens of one chicken dying?

[beaks 4 me]

I had a chicken die out of my flock. How will that effect the other chickens?

 

[BantamLover21]

I had a chicken die out of my flock. How will that effect the other chickens?

It shouldn't affect them too much. The pecking order will be changed, there will be a few scuffles for dominance, but nothing serious. And only rarely will chickens "mourn" the passing of another one (acting depressed, etc.)

 

[Nutcase]

Sorry for your loss. Bantam Lover is right, they will probably move on very quickly. Chickens rarely get attached to each other.

 

[ten chicks]

I had a chicken die out of my flock. How will that effect the other chickens?

It depends on the size of your flock. I have seen chickens become depressed if one member dies or becomes ill. In my flock,which is relatively small,all my chickens have formed close bonds,sleeping beside their friend,eating together and just going everywhere with each other. I have even noticed some of my roosters in particular my silkies have formed bonds in pairs. Just watch for any change in behavior,egg production may drop,this is normal.

 

[schnebbles]

I feel bad for my one silkie, her pal got mareks and is gone. They used to hang out all the time.

 

[Nutcase]

I feel bad for my one silkie, her pal got mareks and is gone. They used to hang out all the time.

Does she have any other chickens to keep her company? If not you should get her at least one.

 

[schnebbles]

yes, I'm down to 5 outside now but those 2 were pals.