Chickens for almost a year.. first massacre yesterday. :(

[taropal]

What a beautiful story. Wondering if a mild insectcide would have gotten rid of the maggots in the early days. It will have to be weak enough to kill off the maggots but not to harm your hen. Soapy water may also kill maggots and rinse off good after a good soak. Just a thought...

 

[SusieBuddy63]

Hello and I just wanted to say that your chickens are extremely lucky to have such a caring and dedicated mama!! SO many people would have just culled a bird in that situation and I really enjoyed reading your thread and it was almost like a book that I couldn't stop reading because of not knowing which way it was gonna go for a while.. lol... Anyhow... I applaud your dedication and appreciate that you shared this experience with us all. I'm so glad Rhoda is all better now!!

I had a duckling that got attacked and the injury was so bad I had to cull it... So I really enjoyed seeing your happy ending!

 

[tam4k9]

That's one tough chick! I'm tickled for the both of you!

 

[Shabana]

Congrats !!! Just read rhodas story from beginning to end. Totally inspirational

Much love to you both !

 

[carcar80]

Well.. Terrible news. Rhoda, along with all but one of my chickens, was killed today. As WELL as our neighbor's GOAT. Neighbor says it was a big white bulldog that got his goat, so I assume that's what got my babies. Ugh. I am SO discouraged on chickens.

 

[aart]

OhNOOooooo!! I am So Sorry carcar!!

They were free ranging? damndogsanyway!

 

[deacons]

Ugh. I am just devastated for you. Don't even know what to say.

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

How awfull! I am so sorry. Don't give up hope yet, you still have one girl who needs you!

 

[carcar80]

Aart- yes, they were. Obviously due to the lack of animal control (and owner uncaring) around here, I am going to have to revamp.

Deacons- thanks

Tara Bella- yes. It's my darling BSL who has always ALWAYS been my fave, since the lady at the chicken place handed her to me as an adolescent an she just snuggled into me. <3

We were gathering bodies this afternoon and hubby thought e heard something inside the coop. He looked and didn't see anything. But I wanted to see for myself, PRAYING it's be Olive (BSL).. Sure enough, I squatted to the little chicken door and she pops out of the laying box. Bless her heart, still trying to do her little job after all that.

 

[carcar80]

I did go back later and she HAD laid an egg. The little shell was so paper-thin, the kind that feels like sandpaper. I assume that was from the stress?

Question: she's on lockdown, of course, with food and water and a light (I could only find a 60W, but I put it near her and I figure with her being black..?)

Anyway, should she be OK for a short bit alone? Or do I need to rush to get another? I have a darling friend who has offered me her own BSL hen as well as her SLW roo (which is what my sweet Steve was ).. Should I get them now? I'd like some time to figure out a plan first..