Panic!

[TwoChicks]

Not really ... but it did freak me out for a few minutes ...

Last week, all my "big girls" (about 4-6 week olds) went to live in their coop, the last few days they have been getting bold and exploring outside the coop, but quickly running back in after a few minutes.

Yesterday, about half hopped out and explored, scratched and chased each other and had a blast. After getting them all inside again, doing a head count, we left for a few hours.

Came back, fed them dinner did a head count and only 18! 1 was missing! OMG!! Which one of my babies didn't make it back in the coop?????

I quickly did a head count again, again and again and then had my bf do a head count, then I counted colors ... it was a red one. One of my two very sociable, inquisitive, in your face red comets. We searched and searched outside ... nothing ...

Then, I went to feed the rest hoping my sweet chicken would be safe and make her way home, and lo and behold ... she was under the food bowl! She had evidently flipped it over on top of her and was trapped (or playing hide and seek). When I picked the bowl up, she was sound asleep. Silly chicken. Scared me to death!

Who would have thought I'd be smitten with chittens???

 

[bigstack]

LOL!!! I am glad you found your baby safe and sound! Sorry you had a scare like that. I know how it feels to discover a new baby missing! Mine had been out for only a week or so. They had just began to stay out in the run. I was locking them in for the night and.... Yep! Missing 1. I went around the coop to the run. It looked like she was sleeping by the fence. She had fallen asleep withher head sticking out of the fencing on the gate. I was affraid the dogs might grab her head. BUT I was too late....... She had actually been electrocuted and died instantly! I am using an OLD weed burner electric fence charger! Its way over powered, but needed were I am!!! We have a huge wild dog problem. even shooting them all only lasts a lil while. But any way..... She had found the 1 place in the entire run that had 2x4 wire on it instead of the smaller mesh. I guess she was after the grass outside the fence. It looked as though the wire got her right at the base of the beek/chin. So close to the tiny brain and as Hot as that wire is!!!! It was instant! My heart almost stopped when I realized she was on the wire!! I didn't even think I reached straight down and grabbed her and the wire! OUCH!!!! I deserved it! I felt so bad for not finishing the fencing before allowing them into the run. I am so glad yours turned out so well!!! I know it wont be the last time I find one missing, But it will be the last time its my fault!!!!

If you are using an electric fence Please be sure it is a surging unit so they can get off of it! Mine is an always on always HOT!!! Or at least be sure that they can't get to it at all!

Good Luck and God Bless!

 

[dumb_cluck]

That happened to me when I was "baby sitting" my sisters hamsters when they went on vacation. Made my heart stop, sorta....

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

I know the feeling. It is funny where the little ones can hide.