Well that's maybe being a little dramatic.
I have 14 6-week old chicks who are in a coop, but for during the day I made a little 3' x 4' run so they can get out in the grass (the coop has a wire floor to deter predators).
I decided today I needed to move the coop, so I hooked up the tractor, moved it, then opened one of the doors and attached the run. But, I kind of rushed through chores because of impending rain, and in my haste I evidently left about a 3" gap. I went on with my chores, and about an hour later came around the barn to see that OOPS... the flock was outside the coop, happily scratching away and running amuck!
I have no idea how long they were out, but I have three dogs, a neighbor's dog who likes to visit and play with my dogs, two outdoor cats, and there is a resident broad-winged hawk who usually makes overhead flights numerous times a day. Plus, we live right on the edge of the woods.
I went against every instinct and calmly walked twoard them, wondering if I still had them all, and wondering HOW I would get them back in. I started calling "chick chick chick!", which I do when giving them treats, and it worked like a charm! Amazingly, all fourteen came running and followed me back to the coop, where I chucked them back in one at a time.
Lesson learned...if I want to keep my chickens contained and intact, be more careful! I feel like a goob.
p.s. - one of the cats was there watching the whole time...he's evidently not interested, thank goodness!
I decided today I needed to move the coop, so I hooked up the tractor, moved it, then opened one of the doors and attached the run. But, I kind of rushed through chores because of impending rain, and in my haste I evidently left about a 3" gap. I went on with my chores, and about an hour later came around the barn to see that OOPS... the flock was outside the coop, happily scratching away and running amuck!
I have no idea how long they were out, but I have three dogs, a neighbor's dog who likes to visit and play with my dogs, two outdoor cats, and there is a resident broad-winged hawk who usually makes overhead flights numerous times a day. Plus, we live right on the edge of the woods.
I went against every instinct and calmly walked twoard them, wondering if I still had them all, and wondering HOW I would get them back in. I started calling "chick chick chick!", which I do when giving them treats, and it worked like a charm! Amazingly, all fourteen came running and followed me back to the coop, where I chucked them back in one at a time.
Lesson learned...if I want to keep my chickens contained and intact, be more careful! I feel like a goob.
p.s. - one of the cats was there watching the whole time...he's evidently not interested, thank goodness!
