I know now how the lady feels that posted her goodbyes to BYC forum earlier this week. She had lost her flock to a kill. She was saying goobye to BYC members on the forum. I felt sad for her and now I can relate to her feelings. Although, I could never leave BYC because there are far too many wonderful chicken folk here that I would miss.
A few weeks ago, one of my hens and my favorite rooster (the one in my avatar) got out of the coop while I was feeding.
I really didn't think much of the birds getting out. Often times they do this to get a chance to eat grass. I always chase them back inside, no big concern. Well, I was able to chase the hen back into the coop but the rooster would not go inside. He has always been the spooky type, and of course, he became excited and ran to the far end of the yard. Knowing how easily he spooks, I did not want to attempt to chase after him. I thought he'll settle down in a little while. Maybe, he'll attempt to roost on top of the coop or in the tree limbs above. I'd planned to catch him that night. I watched him from the house a few times for the rest of the evening. He seemed to just enjoy being free and eating the green grass. Later in the evening, before dark, I went outside to look for him and he was gone. I thought maybe he wondered into the neighbor's pasture. I went there to have a look around and he was nowhere to be found. I have asked around the neighborhood and nobody has seen him. Thought in a few days he'll wonder back home eventually when he hears the other roosters crowing. Several weeks have passed now and I have resolved that he is a goner. I am thinking maybe dogs got him. He was half white bantam ameraucana and half wheaten ameraucana bantam. In the forty-two years that I have raised chickens, he is perhaps the most beautiful rooster that I have ever owned.
I will miss him.
A few weeks ago, one of my hens and my favorite rooster (the one in my avatar) got out of the coop while I was feeding.
