Adirondack chair danger

[tallcedarpharm]

Just wanted to put out a warning to other chicken keepers.

I have had chickens for 8 years now, and this tragedy was a first for me.
I have my chickens in the back yard, where they can stroll up to the house for a visit, or hang out on the porch. I have 4 "plastic wood" adirondack chairs on my porch. My only small chicken, a Langshan, apparently was perched on the arm of the adirondack chair, and tried to jump onto the back. She missed, got her head caught between the slats on the back and hung herself.
I found her when I returned home, about 2 hours later. I figure she probably couldn't get any purchase on the plastic, and panicked. My other chickens are all much larger, so perhaps they just jump better, or their necks don't fit between the slats, but it has never happened before.

I included a picture so you could see what kind of chair I mean.
I have since taken all my chairs off of the porch, but wanted you all to be warned so that you can avoid coming home to something like that.

 

[oregonkat]

Oh, I am so sorry!! What an awful thing to come home to. Thanks for putting the word out, it would never have occurred to me.

 

[tallcedarpharm]

Thank you, I just feel so guilty that I didn't think of it.

 

[coach723]

I'm so sorry, and I'm sure you feel awful.
Accidents happen, and chickens can get themselves into some serious predicaments sometimes. I certainly would never have thought of that either. Thanks for sharing.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thank you, I just feel so guilty that I didn't think of it.

Sorry for your loss.

Please don't feel guilty... our chooks will get themselves into ALL kinds of dangers that we can't anticipate. Accidents happen. I had a cockerel hang himself inside a dog kennel not too long ago.. One I use for a broody breaker all the time!

 

[itspebbl]

Thank you so much for warning us! I would never have thought of this!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm so sorry for your loss
Thank you for sharing with us.

 

[townchicks]

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sorry you and your hen had to go through that. This post will likely save some lives though, as like you, it wouldn't have occurred to us that was a danger. For those who have that type of chair, a slipcover over the top part may be a good safety measure.

 

[staceyj]

This is not your fault! Chickens are like kids in that if there’s a way to get into trouble they’ll find it.

I am so very sorry for your loss.
Something as simple as a chair on the porch would never cross my mind as a danger.

It was very kind of you to share this warning with the community.