Sad day...Nuggets gone and I don't think she's coming home.

[DelcoChix]

Thanks so much for your compassion--as I read alot on BYC, not many other folks in the 'real world' could relate to the uncertainty of a missing chicken. No news, good or bad to report...well, except I did crawl up into my haystack and checked every nook and cranny, nothing. If Nugget is broody then she's really, really good and doesn't want to be found. Her sister, Patty just breaks our heart, she's at our back door most of the day--ok, I know she's waiting for treats (and it works, even my dh will toss grapes to her--not everyone can talk about how they have a begging chicken). Anyways, it's just sad to see her standing there, solo, when for the last year and a half the two have been inseparable, and our special birds, even 'helping' our next door neighbor last summer while he was weeding. Will keep hoping and again, thanks for the kind thoughts. It's kind of comforting to see someone has posted another note of encouragement.
Here's a couple of pics of lonely Patty--she's been at the door since we got home from church, and when I gave her some corn from our lunch she tried to come into the house.

She's learned to peck at the doorway when she sees us in the family room...

 

[chicknmania]

Poor Patty! I hate that, we have had a few that were good friends, and it is so sad when one dies or comes up missing, and the one that is left pines. And I know they do. This is an awful thought, but I have to mention it at this point...what about human predators?? Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a game camera? If she was easy to catch, in these times it is certainly a possibility that someone might've caught her...

Where did you get your Buckeyes? We have been wanting a couple, not enough to aggressively look..I could only find one breeder so far in Ohio and I'm not interested in buying from him....anyway, maybe you'll be able to get Patty another friend?

 

[DelcoChix]

Hi chicknmania (neighbor?),
Thanks for the ideas but the neighbor situation is a very good one...beanfield on the south side and great neighbors on the north, who are gone all day working, then grandparents are the next ones north who would let us know if any birds showed up there. We have a great little semi-rural/semi-urban neighborhood. And the next door neighbor told me he kind of enjoyed the silkie rooster (that we had hoped wouldn't be a roo!) crowing was kind of nice, didn't bother them at all...that was after we had rehomed him. We like good neighbors--we look out for each other. And the other thing, with this recent weather, they all stayed close to the shed or barn--in warm weather they might venture out but only when we are home. We are far enough out that we don't get unexpected visitors very often, and if there are any it would be pretty noticeable.
As far as where we got them--I bought five chicks (pullets) from Meyer Hatchery two years ago this May, went up there to pick them up, with a few others of course!). They were the first batch we've raised. I gave three to friends of mine, who really like them. Their boys took two of them to the 2009 county fair and won their production class--did really well overall. I see a lot of negative comments about 'hatchery' birds but from my perspective, as someone who is not into showing or breeding, I am one of those who want a pretty flock of nice, egg-layers. And Meyer has been very, very good to work with--huge benefit is no minimum when you go up there to pick them up and most of them can be sexed so I don't have to worry about rehoming or butchering an unwanted roo. I have also bought from breeders (BLRW and FBCM) and that has been a very good experience, but I did have to go through the challenge of selling Marans chicks as three of the eight I'd ordered were roos--too costly to butcher (and I'm not strong in that area--not due to a weak stomach but a sad heart). Anyways, I did look into a website for a Buckeye breeder in southwest Ohio but he didn't post his cost for chicks and I think that if I have to ask it's probably too much. Unless I see something on BYC in the state I will most likely head back to Meyer for a few more--they have a great variety and for the most part have been great. We have raised 41 day old chicks (I had to count!) over the last two years, plus 12 meaties, and so far have lost five, each one for a different reason, but every chick was raised to 'pullethood' with no trouble, including the 29 from Meyer. Anyways, sorry to ramble, but I wouldn't hesitate to go back to Meyer unless you find a local breeder closer and are prepared to dispose of unwanted roos.
I am leaning towards more chicks (it is addictive...and fun!), just can't decide which kind--Buckeyes..BCM's...Buff Orpingtons...BLRW...Sp.Sussex....aaarrggghhh! I know what we don't want...just have to narrow it down as they are so cute and fluffy and then, like kittens, they grow up! (and I love cats, don't get me wrong) We have one or two small coops to sell so my dh thinks I should raise extra pullets and sell them as a package deal, ready to go....I like the idea.

 

[chicknmania]

Hey you are a neighbor (Delco)

; we used to live there and we moved East a bit, just to get away from encroaching civilization. Your situation sounds just like ours. I thought the breeder prices here were, uh, a bit steep....to say the least. Anyway, I'll remember that about Meyer, thanks.

 

[WriterofWords]

I'm so sorry about your Nugget; I saw the title and just had to read it. I miss my Nugget too.