HELP MY FLOCK IS GONE!

[Shelby Hodge]

So I have a small flock of five 7 week old Rhode Island Reds. For the past three days I have been introducing them to the coop and bringing them back in at night. Well today I put them out in the run and when I came out they were gone. My dog had gotten through the chicken coop and I guess scared them out. There is no blood on my dog and no bodies or anything anywhere so I am assuming they are all alive. I have been searching for like 4 hours with no luck. Will they come back? They don't really know the outside. Up til 3 days ago they were in a big plastic box under a heat lamp. I am so upset. I love my chickens and hope they are okay. I am also worried because even though they have most all their feathers they still don't have the feathers under their wings and it's going to be like 50 degrees tonight. Would you think they would stick together? please help

 

[LDFchicksnducks]

They would definitely stick together, and probably nearby. Let your ears find them. They will chirp! Look for anything they could have hidden in or under.

Good luck, I hope you find them soon!

 

[BantyChooks]

So I have a small flock of five 7 week old Rhode Island Reds. For the past three days I have been introducing them to the coop and bringing them back in at night. Well today I put them out in the run and when I came out they were gone. My dog had gotten through the chicken coop and I guess scared them out. There is no blood on my dog and no bodies or anything anywhere so I am assuming they are all alive. I have been searching for like 4 hours with no luck. Will they come back? They don't really know the outside. Up til 3 days ago they were in a big plastic box under a heat lamp. I am so upset. I love my chickens and hope they are okay. I am also worried because even though they have most all their feathers they still don't have the feathers under their wings and it's going to be like 50 degrees tonight. Would you think they would stick together? please help

They should be fine temp wise... good luck.

 

[Hopethehen]

I dont know how well they would be. My chickens are older so i can call them. Try throwing treats everywhere, making sure they are small enough so they wont choke. Or just put food everywhere they love food. Make sure when you find them love on them a lot. One of my chickens got grabbed and almost EATEN my dog dog.. TWICE... so she is a bit mean, but she still loves me. Keep me posted on if you find them. OH! Maybe try putting on a video of chickens chirping and they might come because they will think they found each other! Make sure its not too loud, not too quiet though, make it sound natural! Hope this helps!

 

[Sunshine Flock]

My intuition tells me not to place food out at night. It could lead raccoons and other predators right to your darling flock.

Do you have electricity in the coop area? Can you put their brooder out there but turned on its side? Are you using a Brinsea warmer so you don't have to worry about safety?

It's just a thought, but perhaps providing a warm place for them to go will draw them back.

Please keep us posted on how this goes. I'm so sorry for the scare.

ETA: Mother hens will bring their newly hatched chicks out into the snow. Also, chicks love huddling together for warmth, so temperature wise they should be fine as someone else mentioned.

 

[Hopethehen]

My intuition tells me not to place food out at night. It could lead raccoons and other predators right to your darling flock.

Do you have electricity in the coop area? Can you put their brooder out there but turned on its side? Are you using a Brinsea warmer so you don't have to worry about safety?

It's just a thought, but perhaps providing a warm place for them to go will draw them back.

Please keep us posted on how this goes. I'm so sorry for the scare.

ETA: Mother hens will bring their newly hatched chicks out into the snow. Also, chicks love huddling together for warmth, so temperature wise they should be fine as someone else mentioned.

Sorry about the cofusion. I live where theres no raccoons, so i totally wasnt thinking about that! Thanks for stepping up and preventing a terrible event!

 

[staceyj]

I sure hope you find them safe and sound in the morning!

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your chicks. They probably will cling together to stay warm tonight. I would still look in the brush for them tonight, but definitely be out by daylight to make clucking sounds and offering food.

 

[Taylorbrood]

So I have a small flock of five 7 week old Rhode Island Reds. For the past three days I have been introducing them to the coop and bringing them back in at night. Well today I put them out in the run and when I came out they were gone. My dog had gotten through the chicken coop and I guess scared them out. There is no blood on my dog and no bodies or anything anywhere so I am assuming they are all alive. I have been searching for like 4 hours with no luck. Will they come back? They don't really know the outside. Up til 3 days ago they were in a big plastic box under a heat lamp. I am so upset. I love my chickens and hope they are okay. I am also worried because even though they have most all their feathers they still don't have the feathers under their wings and it's going to be like 50 degrees tonight. Would you think they would stick together? please help

don't know where you live, but usually they head home at sundown. so maybe they are close. if you have something that plays internet chick sounds or a video of them that might draw them home to their coop. My concern is night predators, I would go back out and listen for cheeping or try calling them since it's quieter at night they might hear you.

 

[Teila]

Hey Shelby unfortunately I do not have anything to offer above the already great suggestions you have. I did just want to say that you and your flock are in my thoughts and I have everything crossed that you find them or that they come home of their own accord