Rebuilding flock after coyote attack

[Abs]

Hi. I'm new to BYC and have been a chicken owner for about a year and am lovin' it! I had three Rhode Island Reds who I got at the same time, unfortunately we had coyotes attack about a week ago and they got two of my hens. So I've only got one left. I feel horrible that she's all alone now and would like to get one or two more, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. I've been reading about adding to the flock and can't find anything that deals with a "flock" of one and adding to that. Anyone have suggestions or advice for a newbie and her lonely hen?

 

[peachlover]

If you live in the Four Corners area I will be happy to give you another hen, or rooster for that matter. I would definately get some more before and after I fixed the coyote issue.

 

[MareeZoCool]

Sorry you had such a horrid loss! Coyotees got 5 out of my 6 chickens last summer, came back and picked off each new roo(two) as soon as they & my survivor hen adjusted to life together.

My hen seems content with this roo, (#3) he was attacked, only suffered loss of his tail feathers, now completely grown back & beautiful.

A friend donated 2 hens last week:cd One is a great addition lays daily, the other is a wanderer.

destined for the pot, if I ever catch her!

CORRECTION I caught her & locked her up!

 

[Abs]

Thanks Peachlover. We are in Oregon and live in a suburban area, so we are not allowed to have roosters within city limits and are limited to three hens. We just finished redoing the run and totally enclosing it, so hopefully now more snacks! I want to get another, I think. Just not sure of the best way to go about it. Do I add one? Do I add two. I don't know how the temperament on my remaining one is going to be with new ones. They were all pretty docile and friendly with us and each other - but they were all hatched together.

MareeZoCool: Coyotes are just nasty things! I was naive enough to think that we didn't have them in our area...wrong. Hopefully with the redo coop/run we will keep 'em out in the futuer!

 

[chickboss]

Sorry about your flock!

I don't think you would have much trouble adding one or two more birds in, especially if they come from seperate flocks as well. The new ones would be off their gaurd with the move, and the established one would be grateful to have them.

 

[Abs]

Thanks Chickboss! It's been hard to find anything about adding to a "flock" of one. I appreciate the advice.