Newbie whose coup was attacked........

[mgirrrrl]

 

[Zeil]

From what I understand lone chickens don't do well unless they're family pets, like inside house pets.

On the subject of more and winter, you can always purchase point of lay birds and miss all the drama of having chicks, although my partner raised our own chicks through winter, but we are in Australia and we are currently edging into summer. Be carful with chicks though, you can get roosters.

 

[Zeil]

On another note, how was your coop broken into.

 

[mgirrrrl]

We had a wicked storm with unusual winds and the coup door was not locked properly. Raccoons seem to have been behind the attack from what I have read about their methods. Thanks for your input.

 

[Zeil]

Predators are ridiculously Opportunistic.

 

[mommato3girls]

So very sorry about your hens. I don't even have mine yet and am already in love with them.

 

[trailrider330]

First of all welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

Secondly, I am sorry about your loss.

Chickens are flock/social animals so it is important for them to have access to other flock members. You can either look into getting juveniles or adult hens, or even chicks. Chicks still have time to feather out before winter hits, so they are certainly an option. It's up to you, just make sure you determine if there are other things you can do to improve how predator proof your set-up is first. Whatever you decide, we are here to help you through it.

 

[drumstick diva]

Please do check out the predator threads and coop section for ideas on beefing up security for your flock. Raccoons are one of the most persistent predators. They can dig, climb, jump down from tree branches. They also have opposable thumbs and can open any latch a human can. Any predator getting an easy meal will keep coming back until there are no more.

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

I'm so sorry for your losses, that attack must have been traumatic to the one girl left behind.

If you do get chicks now and are concerned about brooding them with cooler temps coming, there is an excellent method written up by one of our members that could be helpful. Here's a link to her information:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update

Good luck to you, thanks for joining us.

 

[mgirrrrl]

Thank you for all of your kind words and advice. This has been such a difficult experience and it is obvious that may remaining gal is traumatized. She will sneak out for a nibble, got her a little dirt scratching in this morn, but then it was right back to the laying bin of her coup. I made her a makeshift coup in my garage last night cuz my heart was breaking for her. I don't mean to be so sappy, and never imagined that I would have gotten so attached, but here I am. I will read everything yall suggested and think carefully about your suggestions. More than anything I just want her to be healthy and happy.