Lost half flock to coyote attack

[Sara Ranch]

*hugs* I am sorry for your loss.

I have adopted chickens. With the group of chickens from one person, I have had them terrorize one chicken to the point of running him into hiding. (Boys can be so mean!) I have called, I have searched, I have gone to hiding places...sometimes not finding the chicken at all.

But at nightfall, the chicken will magically reappear at one of the household doors and wait for me. Or roost in a tree in the orchard.

In other cases, I have been literally standing right next to the chased/scared chicken and not seen him in the grass/in the bush/in the tree. They are THAT still and THAT quiet. I will physically pick up the bullies and put them in time out. Then go back to the location and often find the scared chicken, STILL not moving, even though it's been an hour or two.

There's a little hope that they will come back, but you do need to go actively call for them and search for them. My guys will often respond to the sound of a plastic container with food in it being shaken and my calling food or treats. Check around the area AFTER dark. Right now, there's no telling how many chickens were killed during the attack.

Edited to add - all of my guys & gals get along. There is an adjustment period when a new group of siblings come here, to their forever home, sometimes. I have even had help finding scared guys from fellow chickens and ducks.

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

Hello,
we had 13 layers in a coop with a run and buried hardware cloth. Cut them loose during the day and return @ dusk to shut them up. Never lost any to predators until this morning.
My daughter and brother were meeting friends at the shop where the chickens are kept at 6:30 am to go to hunting property. I asked them to open the gate to let the girls out, planning to go mid morning to tend them.
When I got there it was a massacre. Recovered 8 dead, searched and called for the others to no avail
My question; will the survivors (if there are any) come back to roost at dusk?
My fear is they are so traumatized they won't and surely all be lost over night.
Thanks for any help.

Did any of them come back?

 

[schutzme22]

Did any of them come back?

One came back. Turns out it was a dog that was being fostered across the street and got out. Saw it chasing one. So ticked.