Lonely hen after bobcat attack

[cavemanrich]

I already have my eyes on 2 hens Star’s age that are in need of rehoming due to an owner who has fallen ill. They are at our humane society. I know people don’t agree with getting chickens from unreputable sources but they are heirloom breeds and appear to be beautifully cared for and I like the idea of helping someone in need.

Get those with no fear. I would myself without hesitation. BTW people all have opinions,, just like something else.... Why would you assume the Humane Society, would fall into UN-REPUTABLE CATEGORY

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks again everyone. The main problem with the run is that it’s not remotely predator proof. But we have been around all weekend and Star has had lots of time in her run and even all through the yard with our supervision. She doesn’t seem as traumatized as when Sunny’s original “sister” died and she was alone for a bit. She seemed truly hapless. We will see how it goes but so far better than expected. I already have my eyes on 2 hens Star’s age that are in need of rehoming due to an owner who has fallen ill. They are at our humane society. I know people don’t agree with getting chickens from unreputable sources but they are heirloom breeds and appear to be beautifully cared for and I like the idea of helping someone in need. Any feedback on this idea? Thank you again for everyone’s support and advice!!

I think it's a good idea.
Hopefully integration will go smoothly.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It's not that the Humane Society is unreputable, but merely that they would not be responsible for the conditions in which the chickens would have been kept prior to their receiving them. HS cannot vouch for their health, or whether they are free of lice or mites, etc. Quarantine is a good idea.

OP, I'm sorry for your traumatic experience but glad to see you moving toward healing for yourself and Sunny. I agree, keeping Sunny is the better choice. Placing her in a new flock would just be an additional stress, forcing her to find her place in the pecking order and have to get used to a new location and new routine. This is a tough time, but she (and you!) will recover together.

 

[bittyflock]

Yes, I did not mean anything about the humane society - I worship them and what they do for animals. They told me themselves that they don’t usually know how old the chickens that people bring in are, or anything about their history. But in this case the owner of the hens I want has posted their story and it seems completely legit to me. So I think this will be our Thanksgiving gift.

 

[sourland]

@bittyflock - I would go for it and add those hens. Be fully aware that the bobcat will return.

 

[NHMountainMan]

@bittyflock - I would go for it and add those hens. Be fully aware that the bobcat will return.

Completely agree - predators tend to hang around once they've found a food source - personally, I'd not let your hen out without close supervision for a few weeks.
Sounds like you're going ahead with adoption plans. Without a quarantine there is some risk but it sounds like you're comfortable with the risk.
Thank you for taking in animals in need. Good luck - don't forget to post pics!

 

[Sequel]

Good luck to you! I hope the new hens work out well!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good luck to you! I hope the new hens work out well!

X2

 

[bittyflock]

Welp, my plan was foiled by another do-gooder that adopted the hens before I could So now I’m on to craigslist. The temps have dropped and we have loads of rain in the forecast so I feel sorrier than ever for Star as she’s probably cold and bored. I’ll probably bring her inside for a little while to mix things up for her and let her warm up, and maybe crate her in our shed overnight tomorrow when the low will be 37. Does this sound like the right thing to do? Thanks for all the well-wishes!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welp, my plan was foiled by another do-gooder that adopted the hens before I could So now I’m on to craigslist. The temps have dropped and we have loads of rain in the forecast so I feel sorrier than ever for Star as she’s probably cold and bored. I’ll probably bring her inside for a little while to mix things up for her and let her warm up, and maybe crate her in our shed overnight tomorrow when the low will be 37. Does this sound like the right thing to do? Thanks for all the well-wishes!

Sorry that your plan fell through.

I know you feel bad for her, but I would leave her in the coop/run. Add some dry leaves/pine needles or some straw to the run for her to dig through.