Greetings from Indiana.

[chezklinger]

I am a newbie to raising chickens, about 1 year going. We have 7 in our flock: 3 Auracanas, 1 Rhode Island Red, 2 Golden Comets, and 1 Black Sussix. I repurposed our coop to house them, and they have free range in yard (...and beyond, because I haven't clipped their wings). I joined the group, because I was looking for advice as our Blue Australorp was taken by a raccoon last month, who broke in through the siding. I was looking to find another Blue Australorp, since it was the favorite, and named "Eggy," by my 8 year old middle son, who is currently undergoing a bone marrow transplant to battle his Leukemia. He and I would video chat in the morning to let the chickens out and look for eggs. It helps him stay connected to home while in the hospital for 7 weeks. He always wanted to know how Eggy was doing! I still haven't broke the news to him! And, am hoping to find another Blue Australorp, "Eggy II," to add to the flock, and "raccoon proof" the coop.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC!

Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

I'm so sorry about your australorp!!

That is the hardest thing to go through when owning chickens!

I'm praying for your son and you when you tell him!!!

You can ask about Blue australorps that are for sale in your area here https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/67/buy-sell-trade.

You have a beautiful coop!! I've attached some links about making it more predator proof. The most important thing is that you lock your chickens in at night and make sure there are no windows or doors left open at night or in the evening.

We are here to help if you have other questions or if you just want to chat.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16186/swaps
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock
http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2012/01/weasels-and-foxes-and-hawksoh-my.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/07/11-tips-for-predator-proofing-chickens.html
http://smallfarm.about.com/od/chickens/a/How-To-Predator-Proof-Your-Chicken-Coop.htm

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Oh, I am so sorry about your son and his illness. That must be very hard on you. And now the loss of Eggy! Mountain Peeps has left you with the link to the Buy Sell and Trade section. You just might find one there. But you should also chat with your chicken neighbors in your state thread to see if someone nearby has one of these birds for you. They just might...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/730582/indiana-bycers-here

I wish you all the best in life with your son and finding another Eggy.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Hope you are able to find your son another hen. So sorry about his illness, hope he has a smooth recovery.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Best wishes for a successful transplant/permanent remission for your son.

 

[drumstick diva]

Sending hope and prayers for your son

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have you joining the BYC flock

 

[sophiesmith1010]

Hello! I hope you have go look finding Eggy! Prayers are coming your way for your son!