[Chicken_Lover]

As I said we recently got rid of one of our cockerels but now, unfortunately, the remaining hen and cockerel are not getting along. Our Hen is avoiding the cockerel at all costs and seems to be starving herself as when I let her out this morning, she came out, had a drink of water then walked back inside our chicken coop without having any of the corn I had thrown into the run. Could one of you possibly spot what is going on with my hen?

 Thanks.

[joyfull]

you may need to get more hens to distract the cockerel so she can have a break. They do have their favourite boys so if she has lost hers she will be sad. She could also be broody.
Do you just have the one hen and cockerel?

[Chicken_Lover]

Yes just the one hen and cockerel now getting more hens at the weekend to fill up our coop, I think the one we got rid of was her favorite because she followed him around mostly. She has lightened up but we only give our cockerel to the neighbor because he wanted a cockerel to protect his hens so I thinks she is happy because she can hear him crowing next door.   

[Chicken_Lover]

Can I just say how helpful this site has been. I didn't start picking up these things until I joined.

[themagicaltoad1]

Can't you explain to your neighbour that the hen is pining for him and swap him for the other cockerel?

[alancane]

Can't you explain to your neighbour that the hen is pining for him and swap him for the other cockerel?

Good plan!

[joyfull]

sounds like the best way round this - they do have their favourites boys (just like the boys have their favourite girls - which is why one of mine is thread bare at the moment  ). When I was rehoming one of my boys I popped him into a cat basket ready and one of his girls just sat by the side of the box whimpering. So I swapped the boy and she perked up and trotted off together with him.

[Chicken_Lover]

Does seem like a good resalution but I think she has got over it.  She has been trotting arounf the garden, eating grass and on Tuesday we will having 2 more hens for her company.

[penninehillbilly]

sounds like the best way round this - they do have their favourites boys (just like the boys have their favourite girls - which is why one of mine is thread bare at the moment  ). When I was rehoming one of my boys I popped him into a cat basket ready and one of his girls just sat by the side of the box whimpering. So I swapped the boy and she perked up and trotted off together with him.

Aah

[NormandyMary]

Humans think they have the monopoly on love. How wrong are we?
Glad things are working out for her now.