Flock destroyed

[ChazzanHillel]

I hear guinea hens are excellent at controlling snakes... Although a good friend of mine, after keeping them along with his chickens for a good while, one day out of blue discovered they had attacked a few of his hens.

 

[Blooie]

I think the first thing I'd do is reassure this amazing little boy that he did nothing wrong - the fault lies with irresponsible dog owners who don't think letting their dog run loose is a problem for others. Could the coop and run be better built? Sure it could. And if the predator hadn't been a dog it could well have happened anyway with a predator of a different kind. But that's a lesson that a lot of us grown ups have learned the hard way, so he's in good company.

I agree with everyone who says let him help design and build the new setup. Suggest that he get down on his knees and crawl around the new coop/run and see if he can find places where there are gaps - a view from his eye level might be very helpful. My 9 year old grandson would jump at the chance if Gramma said, "I want you to pretend you're a dog and see if you can find a place to get in, even if you'd have to dig to do it."

Then choose several different chickens and let him help with the final decision. Everyone has a different opinion on what kinds make a good "kid's kritter" so what I like might not be what he'd like. As you know well, kids thrive on involvement, helping with choices, and responsibility.

And finally, give him a hug from an old lady who has chickens in her back yard and a soft spot for kids in her heart. He deserves it! Then pat yourselves on the back. You are doing this little 'chicken shepherd" a great service by showing him that he has your trust and letting him see that hard work doesn't hurt.

 

[KendyF]

Oh, I'm so sorry for your little boy. I'm blown away by a 9 year old taking on the responsibility of caring for chickens to begin with! What a remarkable kid! I know your family is devastated - that's a horrible thing to happen and so unfair. Let him help rebuild the fencing (maybe even help design a stronger system?) and help him start over with new chicks. Don't let him give up!

I'm so very sorry. Your post felt like a punch in the stomach. So heartbreaking!

x2 very sorry.

 

[Rani]

Oh, I'm so sorry!! That is terrible! I hope he tries again - what kind of chickens did he have?