is my chicken depressed or sick?

[Annie_P]

I had two fayoumi chicken which were best friends. They would not leave each other more than 2 meters apart. Then suddenly, one of the chicken passed away, hiding in the bushes. She had stopped laying eggs for about a week and her comb turned pale.. I buried her in my garden. The other chicken was lively for about 2 weeks and then she won't leave her coop. She stays in there, she looks very small and goes out in the enclosure to have some food. She does not lay since 2-1/2 weeks now. I need to mention that we have a dog since 3 weeks now, but the interaction was fine. The dog might have chased her once or twice, generating some stress for sure, but we now keep them separate. I am wondering if I should get a couple of chickens to cheer her up and keep her company. We have a big backyard and an introduction would be possible to do. I am worried my chicken will die if she goes deeper in depression...

 

[dennisma1]

Yes, I have seen chickens grieve too. Is she now the lone chicken? I had two 8 year old hens at one point, best buddies since rest of flock died out. Well one died, and the other one just stood around in her run. She could free range, but did nothing. Super quiet. . I brought her in the house to live in a cage. It was November in MA. She perked up and got vocal again. I bought 3 pullets to keep her company and to get her out of house. She acted like they were annoying brats, but was nice enough. It gave her a reason to live. She lived to be 10 and was always my favorite. Had the same thing happen again after a dog attack, down to one chicken, the last remaining pullet, grown up. Got chicks!