So, about 3 1/2 wks ago my only lavender Orpington pullet, Vivian, disappears. I'm thinking the fox we've had problems with earlier in the summer was back and now I'm on a mission...the fox WILL die.
For the next week or so, everytime the chickens fussed about something I'm running outside with the shotgun. Then one evening, I catch a glimpse of Vivian with the other hens...or so I thought at the time. I go out and can't find her. Did I just her ghost?
This goes on for a few more days...I think I see her but can't find her when I go out to look.
Now I'm sure I'm going crazy and she's haunting me, but go out and search every nook and cranny that a chicken could be on 4 acres. No Vivian....until.... one morning I'm getting a cup of coffee and see the girls at the feeder. Wait! I see 3 gray butts! (I have 2 blue Orp hens too) It is Vivian!
I go out and check just to make sure. Yep! She's there! I keep a close eye on her and follow her to her hide out. Of course, it's where I've looked a couple of times before.
and lo and behold...12 eggs. Why didn't I see them before?
She buried them. It's been in the 30's at night so
I collected her and the eggs and brought them inside and put them in a kennel in my laundry room. I candled them and all but two were more than half way along and I just couldn't throw them out. A little over a week later....
Viviane is VERY proud of herself! She'll be a year old next week
Final count: 10
6 black split and 4 lavenders
For the next week or so, everytime the chickens fussed about something I'm running outside with the shotgun. Then one evening, I catch a glimpse of Vivian with the other hens...or so I thought at the time. I go out and can't find her. Did I just her ghost?
Now I'm sure I'm going crazy and she's haunting me, but go out and search every nook and cranny that a chicken could be on 4 acres. No Vivian....until.... one morning I'm getting a cup of coffee and see the girls at the feeder. Wait! I see 3 gray butts! (I have 2 blue Orp hens too) It is Vivian!
I collected her and the eggs and brought them inside and put them in a kennel in my laundry room. I candled them and all but two were more than half way along and I just couldn't throw them out. A little over a week later....
Viviane is VERY proud of herself! She'll be a year old next week
Final count: 10
6 black split and 4 lavenders
