2 pet chickens down to 1

[Chickenwithnobrim]

Hi all, I have 2 hens as pets that live in a gorgeous coop in my back yard. I've had them for about 4 years and they were already a year or two old when I got them. One I got off the street and took her in and decided to keep her and get her a friend. This was before I knew anything about chickens and I dont know which one carried it but they both survived infectious coryza early on. I got a silkie for my street hen because I figured she would be easy to rehome when the street hen eventually passed (I figured she was older)but I now know rehoming her would be irresponsible and introducing new birds to her isnt an option either. Street hen has been developing a tumor or something over the past few months and it keeps growing, I know she won't be with us for more than another year.
My problem : I cannot figure out what to do with my silkie.
I've asked in my local chicken group if anybody has a flock that survived it and would take her but got nothing. I want to move her inside but my partner and my mum (who has every right) very much do not want this.
Would it be cruel to euthanize her as well or should I try harder to get her Inside? Euthanizing is my last resort I would do try anything else but I honestly cannot think of a solution and any ideas would be majorly appreciated.

 

[Chickenwithnobrim]

Boosting before bed

 

[saysfaa]

I think a quick end would be kinder than leaving her a lone chicken even if she moved into your home. For her too, not just your family. And specifically, not cruel.

 

[Callender Girl]

I KNOW I will get skewered for saying this, but while chickens are most assuredly flock animals, a single chicken can survive and even thrive without other birds.

I have had a house hen for more then 4 years; she likes me, the cat and one of the dogs. She is not lonely or despondent. My best efforts to integrate her into a flock have failed repeatedly.

Dogs are pack animals, generally happiest with their own kind, but I rarely see anyone say it's cruel to have a single dog. Animals make their own pack. I once had a young goat who decided he liked hanging out and living with the chickens. Odd, but it made Gordy happy.

You said your girls are pets and have a gorgeous coop. Perhaps your silkie would still live a perfectly good life alone, but with your attention and care. I'd at least try that.

Best wishes for finding a workable solution, and kudos to you for taking in the street hen and getting her a friend. You clearly have a good heart.

 

[Squawkers]

I KNOW I will get skewered for saying this, but while chickens are most assuredly flock animals, a single chicken can survive and even thrive without other birds.

I have had a house hen for more then 4 years; she likes me, the cat and one of the dogs. She is not lonely or despondent. My best efforts to integrate her into a flock have failed repeatedly.

Dogs are pack animals, generally happiest with their own kind, but I rarely see anyone say it's cruel to have a single dog. Animals make their own pack. I once had a young goat who decided he liked hanging out and living with the chickens. Odd, but it made Gordy happy.

You said your girls are pets and have a gorgeous coop. Perhaps your silkie would still live a perfectly good life alone, but with your attention and care. I'd at least try that.

Best wishes for finding a workable solution, and kudos to you for taking in the street hen and getting her a friend. You clearly have a good heart.

I like this, I’m tired of people saying absolutely no to keeping one (chickens, goats, ducks, etc.) I understand having more is better, but everyone’s situation is different.

 

[Squawkers]

I think if you left her outside all by herself with no one all day that is cruel. But if you make an effort to keep her company, either by spending a lot of time outside with her or bringing her in the house it could work. All of my chickens quite enjoy my company, even my most timid one will come sit in between my feet when I go in the coop. I 100% think that they would be very comforted by my company if there was only one and would be quite happy, as long as I spent enough time with them. I understand that an extremely wild or flighty chicken would probably not feel this way though.

 

[Loving my girls]

I think keeping her one her own would depend on the environment.
For example, are there other animals kept outside ? Dog ? Cat ? Alpacas ? If yes then they would be company and she will be happy as Larry.
On the other hand if she was to see no one and spend all day in a small run alone then I don’t think that would be good for her mental health and no amount of Prozac will help her.
Hope my input helps

 

[Ridgerunner]

First, I like you. You took in a hen and got her a friend. You are too responsible to pass on what is likely a carrier for a really bad disease. I think you are a good person.

Each situation is unique and each animal has its own personality. That single hen might be fine on her own, especially if she has another animal to keep her company. Or she may have issues. One trick people use when they are trying to raise a single baby chick is to put a mirror in the brooder. The reflection tends to keep them company. I don't know where to put the mirror, maybe one in the coop and one in the run. Depends on what your set-up looks like.

Good luck!

 

[saysfaa]

...but everyone’s situation is different.

Everyone's situation is different but the needs of the animal don't change because of that.

 

[Chickenwithnobrim]

I think a quick end would be kinder than leaving her a lone chicken even if she moved into your home. For her too, not just your family. And specifically, not cruel.

Thank you for your input, I definitely don't want to put undue stress on her from either being alone in the yard or moving her to the chaos of the house. This helps my guilt thank you