Leghorn released with roosting hens, incognito next day

[OlliOlliOlli]

My bf bought me a white leghorn last night to cheer me up. The guy couldn't get into my area until 9pm or so...we brought her home and I thought it was best to put her in a cage overnight and release her with the flock in the morning. My bf blew me off and put her with the roosting chickens which roost on my garage roof. They seemed to accept her and she immediately snuggled in with them. I thought "Well, ok, this looks alright for now, I'll check in the morning."

My neighbor told me that my chickens were raising a ruckus this morning around 7am-ish and now my new white Leghorn is nowhere to be found. I am worried! Where do you think she could be, and will she return? My bannies took off the first time they arrived at my home, but they arrived mid-day and they came back 3 hrs later.

 

[ivan3]

I'd suspect predator (raising a ruckus?).

It might be a good idea to quarantine any new arrivals from the rest of your flock for at least two weeks to make sure you're not introducing a disease.

Hope you find her or she wanders back.

 

[chickenshagg]

I have always read on BYC to quarantine new chickens. Do not put them with your flock right away they could be carrying some bad germs! As far as if your leghorn will return soon I unfortunately don't have that answer. I do hope the best for you though!

 

[OlliOlliOlli]

Thanks. We found no stray feathers like she was attacked and I live in the center of the city so we have few wild predators, if any. We also have 4 large dogs that do not let anything on or off the property (but leave the chickens alone). We thought maybe the rooster got too friendly with her and she freaked out and hid...that's usually how he likes to greet everyone.

 

[OlliOlliOlli]

FOUND HER!!!! I came out of the front of my house and she was peeking at me from 2 doors down. We have her in a dog crate eating and drinking now. Poor thing is petrified, dehydrated, and hungry. lol

 

[swedishfish]

incognito? did you mean MIA? I always thought incognito was when you dressed up like a spy, you know, like a disguise. I'm glad you found her!!!!!!!

 

[ivan3]

Rarely do I get to read a `missing hen' missive with a live chook coming in at the coda.

 

[JennsPeeps]

They chased her off. Poor thing. Make sure she can't escape throuigh other holes or by power of her wings.

If her wings need to get clipped, you can find how on BYC (search).

Also, it's never a good idea to introduce a new bird without quarantining it for at least a month. Search for "quarantine" on BYC to get more info.

 

[OlliOlliOlli]

Oh I know how to clip wings, I just didn't know she had the capability to fly...thought only bannies could get some leverage

If they chased her off, is there no hope of them ever being friends?

She is petrified of me...all I did was put my hand in the dog crate and she started carrying on like I was trying to kill her. Now my African Greys are sitting around going BUCK BUCK BUCK BUCK BAWWWWWK!?!?!?!?! lol

 

[JennsPeeps]

Quote:
That's hilarious!