3 of my 4 hens killed by dog! NEED FRIENDS FOR SURVIVOR ASAP! Atl, GA

[Mr chicken dude]

Any update?

 

[dweder]

I recently adopted a hen through "petfinder.com". It is a nationwide site and can locate chickens that are being held in shelters or foster homes.

Good luck!

More importantly, I am soooooo sorry about the loss. I fear my dogs will do that every single day.....

 

[ScarlettFever]

Quote:
I've contacted that one CraigsList person and two more that posted the next day. No responses yet. It's been a busy week for me so I haven't tried anyone back yet, but I will. I didn't see your PM at first, but if you're still willing maybe it's time to try having you post the request (for me) under the wanted section! It'd be great if I could find something before the weekend's out, because I expect there may be a bit of a drive involved to pick her up and that'll be much easier to swing with my husband around to help with our son (he works two jobs during the week)!
I'm also going to post the request on the ATL Meetup site tonight, as suggested earlier!

DWEDER: That's actually a nice thought.....maybe a battery hen who's also had a rough go of it wouldn't be a bad idea! (Isn't that what they generally have up for adoption on petfinder? Or did you find a "regular" hen through them?) How long did that process take for you? Do adoption groups ship the adult chickens if out of state, or were you lucky enough to find one nearby?? (I just peeked on Petfinder and there IS one listed in GA, but I can't confirm that it's a current availability so I've emailed them for now and will call tomorrow. If it isn't still there, the next nearest hen is several states away!)
Thanks for your words of sympathy, too! I keep going over the "if I'd only...." list in my head. Like, if it wasn't winter our extra storm windows would've been up....& our bedroom window probably open....and I would've heard the commotion before there was any damage done! (It kills me that their half of the yard is right outside our bedroom, which I'm often in, but I heard nothing!) But, it's just another lesson in how we can't control everything!
It's funny.....even just five years ago I was completely ignorant about what great pets these birds make, and how attached one can get to them! If someone told me I'd be this upset over "some dead chickens", I probably would've rolled my eyes---and that coming from a lifelong animal lover! Who knew they weren't the brainless, personality-less, poop machines that mass marketing made them out to be?!


Until Later..........

 

[dweder]

My experience with petfinder.com was amazing. I adopted a hen that was found wandering the streets in a nearby suburb. She is a production red, healthy as can be, and has produced an egg every day since I adopted her! The participating shelters have chickens for many many reasons. I would keep watch since new birds pop up all the time.

In the case of my adoption, it took about an hour. They wanted to make sure that I could provide for it, I filled out the papers and took her home. In their case, they believed if I was willing to make a donation to the shelter, I did not have intentions of taking her home for chicken dinner. Kept her seperated for a few weeks through the fence, then put her right in with the flock.

My dogs got a hold of one of my hens while I was in the yard. It was horrible and I hope it never happens again.

Keep us posted!

 

[ScarlettFever]

TODAY'S UPDATE:
I should've taken DWEGG's advice earlier, because after posting my request on the Atlanta Meetup group's message board I've had several promising offers already! I'm waiting to hear back from a woman with a 9mos Buff Or., who doesn't live very far from us at all! With any luck, Reba's days of total isolation are numbered, indeed! I'll be sure to let you guys know how it turns out! And thanks again! Sandy

 

[ScarlettFever]

OKAY, FINAL UPDATE!!!! I just got off the phone with a kind man who will be giving me his young Buff Orp, Ruby, tomorrow!!!! It seems the two hens were almost fated to find each other....the night before Ruby's owner saw my posting, her only other coopmate was killed by a nocturnal predator! He said she spent the day refusing to leave the rain, wandering around looking for HER lost friend! It's literally a match made in heaven: they're nearly identical in age, identical in temperament, and equally in need of the comfort of a new companion!!! I'm so excited!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who has really helped make this tragedy less traumatic than it could have been!!!

With Sincere Gratitude,
Sandy

 

[Miss Lydia]

I just read this and wow what a nice ending to 2 tragedies. please post when you get the 2 together and let us know how it's going. thanks!