Any Hope?

[SBFChickenGirl]

Not sure if this is the right forum. I have two hens and their three chicks that free range (they are supposed to be in a fence but are forever finding new ways to get out of it) and I went outside and one of the moms is missing 1 of her chicks. I've looked everywhere.

Give it to me straight. Is there any hope of him coming back? I've cried my tears and looked so now I'm just hoping. He was about 2 months, a D'uccle cockerel named Zaire. I want him to turn up so bad. A little sympathy maybe too. I've lost birds before but it always hurts.

 

[Allthefloofs]

So sorry he didn't return. I don't have any advice unfortunately, I'll let others who have had experience here chime in on that. I just know how devastated I would be if I lost a chicken and had no idea if he was coming back or not. I have my fingers crossed that he does come back.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Give it to me straight. Is there any hope of him coming back? I've cried my tears and looked so now I'm just hoping. He was about 2 months, a D'uccle cockerel named Zaire. I want him to turn up so bad. A little sympathy maybe too. I've lost birds before but it always hurts.

Since it's a mom and a chick.. there IS hope, however minute it might be.

If it were only one or the other.. I would be less hopeful.

How long have they been missing now? Hope they turn back up soon!

 

[Rachnicko]

Hope! Always hope!
At 2 months old I hope he knows where to come back to... and I hope he is too big for some predators.
But also I’m very sorry to hear, it must be devastating. I have only had birds pass away naturally, and that is hard enough, so to not know where he is must be harder. Thinking of you and hoping Zaire returns!

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Not sure if this is the right forum. I have two hens and their three chicks that free range (they are supposed to be in a fence but are forever finding new ways to get out of it) and I went outside and one of the moms is missing 1 of her chicks. I've looked everywhere.

Give it to me straight. Is there any hope of him coming back? I've cried my tears and looked so now I'm just hoping. He was about 2 months, a D'uccle cockerel named Zaire. I want him to turn up so bad. A little sympathy maybe too. I've lost birds before but it always hurts.

He may be stuck somewhere, if there’s no evidence of death. Or...he got lost?
Or drowned.
Ooh, gosh, so sorry I’m suggesting ways for him to die. That’s just how my brain works.
Have the hens been sticking around one place? Clucking and peering in something?
Have you seen feathers? Heard peeping?
I’m so sorry. Good luck.

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

I'll be the Debbie downer and give it to you straight; It's more likely than not he won't show back up. Unfortunately free ranging comes with it's risks. As a matter of fact chicken keeping anywhere even in a coop comes with risks so don't be too hard on yourself. (((Hugs)))

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

Since it's a mom and a chick.. there IS hope, however minute it might be.

If it were only one or the other.. I would be less hopeful.

How long have they been missing now? Hope they turn back up soon!

Just the chick is missing. So... yeah.

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

He may be stuck somewhere, if there’s no evidence of death. Or...he got lost?
Or drowned.
Ooh, gosh, so sorry I’m suggesting ways for him to die. That’s just how my brain works.
Have the hens been sticking around one place? Clucking and peering in something?
Have you seen feathers? Heard peeping?
I’m so sorry. Good luck.

Dont worry I've done it already. Anwhere from the cat got him (unlikely... they have a healthy respect for our chickens) to an aerial predator took him. The hens and chicks were just hanging around where they usually do. No peering or loud peeping. And I looked and listened.

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

I'll be the Debbie downer and give it to you straight; It's more likely than not he won't show back up. Unfortunately free ranging comes with it's risks. As a matter of fact chicken keeping anywhere even in a coop comes with risks so don't be too hard on yourself. (((Hugs)))

Thanks for that
I know I have to be realistic.

Thanks to everyone really.

 

[Callender Girl]

Being realistic is good, but until you absolutely have to, don't give up hope. I've lost birds to predators and cried, and I've had birds return when I was SURE they were dead -- and I cried then, too. My heart is with you and your flock.