Lost my favorite hen

[Wildgrass]

I went out to the chicken run and had a nasty surprise this afternoon. Two years ago I lost 7 out of 8 hens in my very first flock to a management mistake and some coyotes. The last chicken, a silver gray Dorking named Candy, lived in my basement until the next spring when I had a safer run and some new pullets to move out with her. She was tame, smart, and my absolute favorite, basically a pet chicken that lived outside. I'm just devastated that it was her who was killed. She was in the middle of the yard, headless. I have great fencing and cables running in roughly a 1x1 foot grid over the run, but I suspect a hawk managed to navigate through it. My home is out in flat, arid range-type climate and the only predator animals I've seen signs of here are coyotes and birds of prey.



Here she is this spring having some supervised free range time. That's the worst fence on my property, so please be kind I'm going to need to upgrade the ceiling of my run ASAP, but today I'm just heartbroken. I always referred to her as my little shoebox because that was her shape on those short little Dorking legs. I'm going to miss her.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

So sorry about your lost.

 

[JustBabyMargo]

I went out to the chicken run and had a nasty surprise this afternoon. Two years ago I lost 7 out of 8 hens in my very first flock to a management mistake and some coyotes. The last chicken, a silver gray Dorking named Candy, lived in my basement until the next spring when I had a safer run and some new pullets to move out with her. She was tame, smart, and my absolute favorite, basically a pet chicken that lived outside. I'm just devastated that it was her who was killed. She was in the middle of the yard, headless. I have great fencing and cables running in roughly a 1x1 foot grid over the run, but I suspect a hawk managed to navigate through it. My home is out in flat, arid range-type climate and the only predator animals I've seen signs of here are coyotes and birds of prey.

View attachment 2820716

Here she is this spring having some supervised free range time. That's the worst fence on my property, so please be kind I'm going to need to upgrade the ceiling of my run ASAP, but today I'm just heartbroken. I always referred to her as my little shoebox because that was her shape on those short little Dorking legs. I'm going to miss her.

She’s gorgeous. So sorry she was lost. There is absolutely no judgement. You are the only one who knows what can be done and when, so no one else can tell you otherwise. She is now with her old flock mates. Hope you feel better soon!

 

[Wildgrass]

Margo, you made me tear up! Thank you both. I just wanted to pop in again because I found a better picture of my shoebox in her stumpy glory.

 

[JustBabyMargo]

Margo, you made me tear up! Thank you both. I just wanted to pop in again because I found a better picture of my shoebox in her stumpy glory.View attachment 2820767

I can tell she was very loved. And I’m sure she loved you as well.

 

[McChooky]

My heart breaks hearing this story! Sounds like you've really got a mess of predators wrecking havoc on your flock. So sorry you lost your favorite! She was very beautiful! I won't even consider free ranging mine because I grew up around chickens that were .We didn't lose them all the time but we regularly lost them. My dad lost his favorite and quit keeping chickens because his were used to being out.Mine have grown up in a closed run and its all they've ever known.Its hard enough to protect them in an enclosed run from some predators so mine will never be turned out.My neighbor has tried free ranging his but has fewer than 5-10 left.Coyotes and owls have gotten 20 so far.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm so sorry!
Free ranging is always chancy, and favorites seem to go first almost every time.
Keep everyone in for at least two weeks, or until this predator is at least identified.
Mary

 

[All4Eggz]

So sorry for your loss!
I also have a silver gray dorking She is the first to run to me when I step into their free range area.

We have been losing quite a lot of favorites recently. I hate when that happens.

I hope you get over it soon.
And just remember, she's in a better place with her old flock

 

[50-45-1]

I absolutely love dorkings! They are friendly and sweet, but I also notice they are slower moving than other breeds. My flock free ranges during the day along with some Guineas (great at sounding the alarm) and 3 guardian dogs. I still loose some birds each summer but this year only a couple. With my high preditor concentration in my area that's amazing!
I have had dorkings but loose them as they cant get to cover or protection as fast as the others. I also avoid top hatters( they cant see danger), and white birds, they seem to go first because they are more visable.
I am sorry for your loss. I know how it feels.

 

[theoldchick]