Luck Run Out

[LaketownChick]

I’ve had such good luck since starting our chicken journey we have been really lucky. We purchased 9 chicks, then added 4 more a few weeks later with no issues. All of our original 13 are pullets, no roosters. Yay! I was starting to think this chicken thing is pretty easy going. Got a shed for free and converted it into a coop, made a run and got it fully enclosed. Then I got a bit ambitious and purchased three Cochin Bantam chicks and a couple Marans. Early on one of the Maran’s died due to birth defects. I would keep the remainder in the greenhouse at night and carry them by hand to a temporary run during the day to start their integration into the main flock. It had been going wonderfully until we got hit by some unseasonably warm weather. I had made a board to fit the opening of the greenhouse leaving a couple foot opening for ventilation. It was over four feet tall so I assumed it would keep the predators out. I was wrong. Between 5 PM and 9 AM this morning something killed all four of the chicks I was integrating. The weirdest thing is that there were no signs of a struggle, the board was in place, the pen was seemingly untouched and until I was cleaning the wood shavings out I saw one drop of blood. There were so many places for the chicks to hide. I’m so bummed they all died. I feel so foolish for leaving that board up at night. I should’ve shut the door.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

I'm so sorry. It's devastating to lose birds, but even more so when they're chicks.

 

[LaketownChick]

I'm so sorry. It's devastating to lose birds, but even more so when they're chicks.

The Cochin Bantams were my DREAM chicken too!

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry! Many of us learn the hard way how vulnerable chickens are, especially at night, and do better next time.
Cochin bantams are adorable!
Over the years, my coop and run have become as close to a fortress as I could manage; it's a constant battle. last year rats got in!
Please move forward and enjoy your chickens.
Mary

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry to hear about your chicks.......it’s painful losing our feathered family....especially when they are babies.

 

[happyfrenchman]

I’ve had such good luck since starting our chicken journey we have been really lucky. We purchased 9 chicks, then added 4 more a few weeks later with no issues. All of our original 13 are pullets, no roosters. Yay! I was starting to think this chicken thing is pretty easy going. Got a shed for free and converted it into a coop, made a run and got it fully enclosed. Then I got a bit ambitious and purchased three Cochin Bantam chicks and a couple Marans. Early on one of the Maran’s died due to birth defects. I would keep the remainder in the greenhouse at night and carry them by hand to a temporary run during the day to start their integration into the main flock. It had been going wonderfully until we got hit by some unseasonably warm weather. I had made a board to fit the opening of the greenhouse leaving a couple foot opening for ventilation. It was over four feet tall so I assumed it would keep the predators out. I was wrong. Between 5 PM and 9 AM this morning something killed all four of the chicks I was integrating. The weirdest thing is that there were no signs of a struggle, the board was in place, the pen was seemingly untouched and until I was cleaning the wood shavings out I saw one drop of blood. There were so many places for the chicks to hide. I’m so bummed they all died. I feel so foolish for leaving that board up at night. I should’ve shut the door.

That is tough. These things happen to us all in one way or another, Sorry.

 

[RWise]

Last year every single one of my chicks were taken by the neighbors cat(s). He no longer has cats,,,,
Some time back, heard a commotion in the coop, found a snake under a broody with chicks. Mr snake you are in the wrong yard,,, BTW a minnow trap baited with an egg or 2 will catch snakes.