Disaster, now depression

[CountryMom]

So sorry for your loss. I am glad to hear you are going to get more though. Sometimes certain animals in our households just do not mix. If you have a safe run for your chickens then you should be fine. I have had several doxies over the years and know how they can be. My doxie now is a big chicken herself, so I don't have to worry as much. However, I do have a lab who up until my silkie hen attacked her was overly curious toward the chickens. Now she keeps a watchful eye and is quick to get outa a chicken's way.

Oh just had to add that a Plymouth Rock would be another good breed for you. The two you had were good ones also.

 

[andehens]

I just love my RIR, and Barred Rock, don't have an Orp, wish I did! I think you have chosen your breeds well!

 

[Rufflemyfeathers]

So sorry for your loss of your girls..agree with the others and I would get some new...we just finished my coop and there yard area is pen..before I ever put my babies out there we are putting an electric fence around the coop and pen..I also plan on keeping my chicks closed up in coop at nite so to not temp the coons..feel bad for you..

 

[Maryallison77]

Sorry about your loss. I agree with everyone else and say try again. Chickens are so wonderful!

 

[The Chicken Lady]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. At least you are planning on trying again, and this time you will be wiser. Sometimes we make mistakes with starting something new, and we just have to pick ourselves up and try again.

Did your chickens have a coop and enclosed run before? If not, I'm sure lots of us here would be able to help you make plans for an affordable one to keep your new chickens safe.

Let us know if you'd like some help.

 

[urbanhatch]

NEVER give up. I have two Persians that stare at my Silkies all day long. Just have to set it up the best way possible. Good luck.

 

[MissJames]

Quote:
I agree with everyone else....try again. My chihuahua killed a bunch of cornish rocks some friends were raising on our property.I almost cancelled my order of chicks.Since then the pen has been reinforced and we keep a closer eye on the dog.No more accidents ,so far.
Perhaps a bottomless pen would be better for freeranging?
If you enjoyed the chicks try again.

 

[chandasue]

I too have a doxie (standard size though) that has that hunting instinct come out with a vengeance when he gets the opportunity. (Usually to the demise of moles and ground squirrels.) Strange how such a lovey little dog can change so fast. I'm sorry for your loss, but it's a good reminder to me to not let my guard down with my dog around the chicks. I'll add my vote to try again as well.

 

[ssteiner]

My wife and daughter and I wanted to thank all of you for your kind words. Rita and Judy are buried in the garden where they spent so much time in their last two weeks. It's been honestly therapeutic to have such genuine sympathy on this forum. It's made dealing with their death a little easier.

This weekend, we picked up three new ones (we loved having two so much, it only made sense to add a third to the family).

I then proceeded to spend all day Friday and Saturday building an honest to goodness coop. We love our doxies but it's a good reminder that they're hardly little lap dogs, despite the appearance.

New members of the family (as yet unnamed):

Golden laced Wyandotte
Red/Partridge Cochin
Delaware

-Scott

 

[chookchick]

So sorry about the painful lesson. Please do some research here on making your coop and run completely dogproof--especially dachshund proof. I did this as my neighbor has two doxies that run wild (though quite old), and I discovered that they are notorious chicken killers. Make sure you use strong (not chicken) wire, put wire under the run or in a deep "skirting", and have no gaps. Doors should be sturdy and snug-fitting (not pry-able). Electric fencing wouldn't hurt. Good luck!