Help us mourn our 3 lost chickies...

[GardenGal]

Ohh, I'm so sorry your daughter had to see that. Poor little tykes.

I've learned that predators have nothing to do but find a way to get at food. I'll never say, gee, I wish the run wasn't so sturdy! Reinforce the daylights out of your run. I'm surprised your neighbors would let rotties run loose. Even if they're good with kids they could really harm a stranger. Best wishes with your new chickies.

 

[nikki1]

To answer a few questions:

--The dogs do not typically run loose. They have a VERY sturdy run and attached shed, and they are only let out to run when the family is at home and outside. Prior to Friday they had never come into our yard before. They are very friendly dogs, but weimeraners ARE bird dogs, and I guess instinct just kicked in. Neighbors have rabbits, and the dogs have never chased them... go figure.

--Neighbors are now going to invest in an "invisible fence" to keep the dogs strictly on their own property.

--Our run is pretty darn sturdy, but The Girls were out free ranging when the dogs broke into the back yard gate. We reinforced the faulty gate with 2 large cement blocks, and the other gate with supplemental boltage, just to be on the safe side.

Anyhow, many lessons learned on both sides of the fence. Yesterday DD and I purchased 3 new chickies. We got an EE that very closely resembles her favorite, who was lost. We also got another EE who is a couple shades darker, but with darling cheek puffs. The third is a Buckeye--a lovely redhead we've named Lucy. DD is playing with them as we speak. (or write, or whatever.)

REALLY hard to choose chicks, as you all know. I could have gotten frizzle cochins or blue andalusians or polish or brahma or RIR or Buff orps or SLW or white leghorns, or assorted bantams or golden lakenvelder. They also had geese, ducks, turkeys, quail, and pheasants. We really do have an AWESOME feed store.

--Nikki

 

[GardenGal]

Bet they'll be beautiful Your EE will lay such gorgeous eggs. Sure sorry you guys had to experience that. Glad you have a good set up.

 

[H-TrueNorth]

I know your pain. We too lost one of our hens on easter day no less to the neighbor's pitt bull. Its the second occasion and like another individual said, you may have the right to shoot the offending dog (if you would be so inclined). I know our local dog officer had let us know that this was an option in our town as it is legal when your livestock are being killed. That isnt the actual issue however, its more of the sick feeling of loss and even worse, your child witnessing it that is the problem. Best of luck to you in the future, and condolences.

 

[Magic Birdie]

Aww so sorry

 

[Mattemma]

Sorry for your loss. Looking forward to seeing what chicks the kids pick out.

 

[Dowie]

You've reminded me to always make sure my gate is locked - my free range girls NEVER leave the property, but that doesn't mean the neighbour's poodles won't coming running in if I forget to lock the gate. It's good you are remaining on decent terms with your neighbours. It's such a shock when pet dogs do this stuff (and boy do some dogs love chickens). For many of us suburbinites, it's a learning experience. I hope your little girl feels a bit better when the new chikkies come!

 

[nikki1]

Here are some pictures of our new babies, Lily, Betsy, and Lucy. I wanted to take separate pictures of them, but they like to hang out together, so it had to be a group shot.

Lily (EE) is on the right, Lucy (buckeye) is on the left. Betsy (EE) is hiding.



There's Betsy on the left. She's the wild child of the 3, but I guess she was a little camera shy.
They are AWFULLY cute. Lily is a week and a half old, and the others are 2 and a half weeks. They're doing a great job of bonding into their own flock, but of course they haven't met the Big Girls yet. We'll merge the flocks when the little girls are quite a little bit bigger.
--Nikki

 

[GardenGal]

Aw, they look like sweet little characters! I'm in the same boat with integrating chicks. Our original flock was down to 2, which is way too small. So I'll keep my fingers crossed for a good flock integration for both of us