Lost our first little lady tonight :(

[Peppercorngal]

We got 6 little chickies in the beginning of August and have just loved every moment of raising them. They lived in a basement brooder until my husband built a gorgeous coop for them in the backyard and since then they’ve been fantastic New England hardy gals. They were out foraging today and as usual we kept an eye on them. But in less than the blink of an eye something came upon them and attacked our Barrd Rock who we called Honey. She died just a few minutes later. I know everyone told us that we’d never have chickens that grow old, that something gets them eventually. But we are so so devestated. I don’t think anything could have prepared us for this sadness. She just laid her first egg this morning and she was a sweet, sweet girl. Just posting here because we use the threads a lot as a resource and I feel as though there are folks here who understand what we’re going through. Words of encouragement appreciated and also suggestions of when/how it’s best to incorporate new little ones into the flock. Would maybe like to get 2 more to add when it’s appropriate. Thanks so much.

So sorry to hear about Honey, it's hard to loose a chicken that you raised, I know it's happened to me! I suggest that you fence your free range area. That way if it's foxes, dogs or coyotes (my daytime predators), they can't just run up on the chickens and get them. You still have to watch for hawks. You can introduce day old chicks at any time. I just fenced off 1/4 of the coop and put them in with their own feed and water and lights. My hens come and go and lay and don't bother them at all. The smaller the bird the less the threat seems to the current flock. Chicks are readily accepted by adult chickens. Your chickens won't pay them any mind at all. They will be great additions to your flock being introduced as chicks! It's the perfect time of year too get those chicks! Good luck.

 

[micstrachan]

I’m so very sorry for your loss of sweet Honey. Hugs.

 

[Teila]

So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope fond memories bring some comfort

A couple of previous group discussions that might be of assistance:
Topic of the Week - Integrating Chicks into an Adult Flock
Topic of the Week - Adding New Chickens to the Flock

 

[deepbluesea]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my Honey this summer to a hawk. It's hard.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Sorry to hear about this.