Came home to feathers everywhere!

[jjthink]

Ditto Spotted's post, on all counts.
I'm so sorry......the poor little chicklet. And I pray the hen returns okay.
I imagine the dog would trot back to its pups if followed at a decent distance. Then the location of the pups would be known, maybe also the location of any humans who are supposed to be caring for all.
JJ

 

[marie_martin]

It was not easy to feel sorry for the dog but after I got up close and realized she was hungry and had pups I guess I had to feel for her. I tried running her off at first so I don't know why she would not leave. Then when I realized that she was not leaving I decided to try and keep her here until animal control got here. She would not go to him and would bark but I called her and she came right to me and licked my hand and I caught her and she never growled at me or tried to bite. I don't know that she was trying to eat the chickens even. i think she was just chasing them because everything in her told her she should. She did not kill any of the adults or chicks except the newborn chick. She just de-featherd some and she did punctrue a couple but not like she was trying to eat them. She may would have though if she had gotten a taste of the blood and killed one. But my one roo played dead and was still there when I got here. I thought he was dead. But when I went to pick him up he came to and ran off. Scared me. He is acting off though and I did not find any punctures so I hope he does not have internal injuries. He would not even get on the roost and he usually does. Anyway, I will let you know if my hen comes home. I sure hope so. Maybe she is hiding in the neighbors barn or in the tall grass or something. I just hope she is not hurt. I could not bare it. Thanks for all your kind words and your prayers.

Marie

 

[luvmybirds]

I have lost all but 3 of my chickens to my jack russell terrier and her pup. This is the second time in a month that she has succeeded in getting to them. I feel horrible, like a bad parent not able to protect them. I honestly could have shot both dogs today. A month ago the dogs managed to get into the basement where my chicks were under a heat lamp and kill all 10. We spent alot of time on our chicken house and the attached outdoor coop, not to mention $$"s. My husband and son assured me today that they would make things more secure but part of me wants to give up.

 

[dixygirl]

How did the dog get in? Did you leave the door open?

 

[marie_martin]

I am so sorry. I am so lucky and I know that. I could have lost them all. I feel very blessed. I am so sorry to hear about your losses. It has to be hard.

Marie

 

[Barnyard]

Marie, I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time with these babies! I really hope they do find the dogs owner though, for the sake of the puppies.

On a happier note.......... I have 3 new silkie babies.....

 

[luvmybirds]

I am not sure if dixygirl was talking to me or not but no I did not leave the door open. The dogs actually dug beneath the fence. We have re-secured the fence and the remaining girls are doing well. I got four new chicks and one of my hens is mothering them. She actually gathers them under her wings at night and roosts in their pen with them.

 

[marie_martin]

I am glad to hear that you have new babies! Thanks everyone for your support. The other baby is doing great. The one hen never came home unfortunately. But everyone else is fine. So I consider myself lucky. But she was one of my first chickens and I sure do miss her. Anyway, hope that does not happen again to soon.

Marie

 

[jjthink]

Marie, I'm so sorry the hen did not come home. Do you suppose she could have gotten spooked, ran into unfamiliar territory and is now lost but hopefully unharmed? (not sure what your are is like - whether surrounded by woods or what...)
JJ

 

[marie_martin]

Thanks. I figure she ran out into th woods or into the pasture next to ours which is not cut. It is pretty tall. I have called for days and looked for her. She was probably injured since she was on eggs and probably tried to protect them. So she may have gone off to die or something else got her I just don't know. I pray she did not suffer, but I don't have much hope at this time of her coming back. I want to think that she ended up at someone's house and they took her in? But that is just wishful thinking. Anyway, thanks again.

Marie