PLEASE HELP CRISIS HERE!!!

[s-kswenson]

So... yesterday we had 5 chickens, and now, well, only one is left. (A raccoon decided to have 4 chickens for dinner). I was just wondering if we could get chicks and if they would be okay with a 2-year old chicken, and if the chicken wouldn't eat the chicks or something. Also, how would the chicken would do if I added 4-5 more chickens to the flock. Oh and the one that is left is a silver laced wyandotte. Also either way which kind of chicken would you suggest? I probably need to get more chickens fast because one doesn't do so well by itself. Thank you for your sincere apologies.

 

[keesmom]

I would try to find started pullets or mature hens. She probably won't take to a bunch of chicks invading her space. Where are you located? Have you fixed the place where the coon got in?

 

[niamhblond]

Chicks no. Maybe if your not in a rush try to get her broody and have her sit on fertilised eggs ? she's guaranteed to accept them . But if you haven't got time maybe pullets is the best way to go . As for breed I recommend getting a mixture so that the hen doesn't feel over ruled . Im biased but I recommend my favourite breed , Rhode Island Red .

 

[kallan]

So... yesterday we had 5 chickens, and now, well, only one is left. (A raccoon decided to have 4 chickens for dinner). I was just wondering if we could get chicks and if they would be okay with a 2-year old chicken, and if the chicken wouldn't eat the chicks or something. Also, how would the chicken would do if I added 4-5 more chickens to the flock. Oh and the one that is left is a silver laced wyandotte. Also either way which kind of chicken would you suggest? I probably need to get more chickens fast because one doesn't do so well by itself. Thank you for your sincere apologies.

Sorry for your losses. Do you lock them up in their coop at night? I found this is the only way to keep mine safe. Right now, though, I had a bear visit me and create total chaos. He is still around and I am afraid for all my chickens. From what I've read, it's impossible to bear-proof small coops.

I am trying to mix 3 month old and another group that are just several weeks behind and it is proving difficult. I have the younger ones separated in the coop with wire and am hoping the older ones will eventually accept them, but it's been 3 weeks and they bully them and send them running, screaming back to their side of the coop. Unless they are the same age or almost the same size someone may get harmed/killed. Good luck.

 

[patti17340]

I lost 3 of my 4 hens and the one left was so lonely. I had to find her some coop mates. I had 15 new peeps coming but knew I could not put them in with her. I found a man who had some 8 months old hens and they worked out great. I was able to just put them out in the yard together and after a little peeking they have been best buddies. First I would do whatever you need to do to secure your coop.. You don't want to loose more chickens . If that raccoon knows he can just get in he will be back.

 

[Mrs. K]

yep, the coon will be back. Ugh, I hate coons. The only thing that worked for me, was to lock the coop up tight, before dark, or have a totally enclosed run/coop combination, which is what I have now. To keep them digging under, lay out woven wire (can be chicken wire) on top of the ground, next to the fence on the outside of the run. Animals like to dig in a tight U and won't dig under the flat woven wire.

I would get some point of lay hens, and really, I would take what I could get. you will be back in eggs sooner, she will be happier with a flock, and next year you can add chicks or fertilized eggs and pick a breed.

Contact your local poultry club, or your feed store to see if they know someone that might have some girls to thin out of their flock before winter.

Mrs K