What to do with my single surviving chicken?

[scorbitt]

I have one 10-year-old Buff Orpington still surviving from my original flock of 15 of various varieties. Her last sister died this week. I'm worried that Ellie Mae is lonely.

Would it be better to leave her to live alone, add a new chicken or give her to a friend who has a flock and is willing to take her in? We're not in a position to start a whole new flock right now.

 

[Soccer Mom]

IF you aren't ready to start another flock and have a friend willing to give her a good home, that sounds like your best solution.

 

[Junkmanme]

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

our grandma had a single chicken who was about 10 she lasted forever and outlived all the others by years. she was just like a pet and followed her all around the yard. your hen will probably think you are one of the flock.

or you could always get more.....

;-)

 

[chookchick]

Wow, 10 years old! She probably is very attached to you and her home. What do you think? Does she seem lonely? Seems like a new flock could be stressful for her, but if she is lonely...Know anyone that has just a couple of hens?

 

[fordmommy]

First....

And second, if you were near Waupaca,WI....I'd loved to take her in. I would love to have a Buff Orpington. I've been looking for one and a Blue Orpington. Then my flock wold be complete.

 

[scorbitt]

Thanks for all the input! We live in Massachusetts, so thanks for the offer to take her in, but I don't think that would work.

We are going to investigate taking in a friend's chicken who is being picked on by her flock. I think taking in one additional chicken would work - I hope!

And reading all the comments from chicken lovers has rekindled my interest. We're talking about starting another flock!

 

[cmom]

I was going to suggest getting her a couple of friends.