Only one chicken left

[kdiggnit]

Hi there
I am new to the forum. I raised three peeps this year--first timer-- and have had some issues with "missing chickens" After I put them in their coop, I beleive --no accusations-- the neighbors dog got into the yard a ate my Penny...only tail feathers found. Yesterday the neighbors said that one of my chickens got into the front yard ( a first) and they shooed it back into the fence. When I got home I only had one chicken left and she is very upset. I don't know what happened to pearl....hawk, dog? We searched the area and no sign of feathers, but now I only have Bertha. My question is now what? Do i get another full grown chicken or but some peeps.....I know she shouldn't be alone. She is a Golden Comet and a very fun chicky to have...ad I am so so sad about Pearl. Thanks for any advice.

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

WELCOME to BYC's and the joys of chicken ownership. Sadly, you've had some heartache as well.

Chickens do need other members to keep them company and it would be best to get at least 2 or 3 as close to the same age. Try Craigslist in your area but FIRST you need to do something to protect them or you'll continue to lose them. Then you can get a new batch to add later when they are big and/or old enough to protect themselves against the older ones.

A secure run that you use that protects from above and below OR a tractor that you can move around the yard so they have access to fresh grass and bugs but can do it safely.

Good luck to you.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I'm so sorry. It's tough when you lose them.

 

[kdiggnit]

Thanks for the reply. I do have an enclosed run for them, and usually would let them out at Day to forage and eat eat bugs yummy! The first chicken disapeared at night and it was my fault because I didn;t have the pen closed all the way. Pearl came to the back door at 4:30 am and was making so much noise I knew something was wrong...it was so sad... Now Pearl is gone.

I guess I will have to keep Bertha locked up, but they seemed so happy grazing the yard and fun to watch to boot.

 

[Sillystunt]

Awwww, i am so sorry! It is very important to try to keep your chickens safe from harm. That being said, it is close to impossible!

I would try to get some same aged chicks to introduce to your chick. I always put mine in a cage in the coop so they can get to know each other through a safe screen. They say, have lots of space for them to run and put them in at night.

You could see if ant BYC swap/sales are going on in your area, A feed store or CL. Just remember to quarintine them for 30 days. Also make sure any new birds are not sick!

best of luck~

 

[kdiggnit]

Thanks for the replies and the kind words. Who knew I would get so upset over these kooky birds.....but I am a bit kooky myself. Bertha is almost of egg laying age so maybe I will try and find some, as advised, around her age. She came by her name honestly, she ruled the roost and although not aggresive by any means she was queen bee. I hope she takes to her new "girls" as well as she behaved with the ones lost.
K:cd

 

[Peeps59]

Hi Kdigg! Just wondering if you did get any more chickens. I too am a newbie chicken freak. Got my first 4 buffs this spring. Just last week I lost 2 chickens, mid morning after I let them out. Darla was sitting on her nest being a good chicken laying an egg while the other 2 went out galavanting. When I came home @ lunch they were gone. Their sibling left the same way several weeks ago. We think a hawk did it as we've seen one/two in the trees. AARGH!! I was sooo upset. We've been trying to ask people in the area who have chickens if they'd sell one but no one is selling right now. To our beloved chicken masters, here's my question: How bad would it be to just keep her, spend a lot of time w/her then get baby chicks in the spring? I love this site & visit it often. I don't very often post as usually someone has had the same problems already & I can take their advice.