Save Ruby -- Denver, CO area

[GeneseeFuby]

Hi,

We live in the foothills just outside of Denver, Colorado. We have elk, deer, racoons, fox, squirrels, skunks and mountain lions roaming the area. So seeing different animals wondering about is not an uncommon thing. About 2 weeks ago a chicken just appeared in our front yard. Since our local HOA, zoning etc. does not allow chickens in our particular area, needless to say we were completely surprised by her appearance. We have absolutely no idea where she came from or how she arrived - local speculation is that she was abandoned by someone who had chickens in the area but was told they had to get ride of them. We were told to just ignore her and let nature take its course, but we’ve just not had the heart to do that. We've named her Ruby for her red feathers (note I have no idea of age or gender since my chicken knowledge is non existent). We've given her food and water – no shelter (yet) – and she has adopted our yard and a large pine tree in our front yard as her new living arrangements. The neighbors love to see her and think it’s really cool, even our 2 dogs and cat have accepted her and leave her alone. My husband and kids (13 and 19) are hooked too.

We can’t find anyone in our area that is “missing” chickens – since they aren’t allowed, no one if fessing up – and the few people that are anywhere close to us that can and do have chickens (miles away) have not been willing to take her in --- something about “pecking order” and that she would not be accepted by the existing “flock”? My husband is the first to make sure her food and water bowl are full but still says “It’s just a chicken, don’t worry about it”, but alas I am worried and now feel totally responsible for her.

I’m wondering if there is anyone in this forum near the Genesee/Golden Colorado area that might be willing to take Ruby and give her a home and family before she gets eaten by our more “common” local animal life or, if she lasts that long, our tough winters set in and she gets frozen?

GeneseeFuby
(should have been GeneseeRuby but I fat fingered a key)

 

[ranchhand]

Fuby-Ruby, I wish I could take her in, but I'm much too far away. Do post her on your local Craig's List as well.

As far as pecking order, yes, it would be difficult to introduce her to a large flock. A small flock would be much easier. Either way, a 30 day quarantine is highly advisable.

Good luck and bless you all for caring!

 

[The Chicken Lady]

I edited your title so that more folks would see right away who this might apply to.

If you would like your username changed, let any moderator know by sending them a private message and we'll be happy to fix that for you.

 

[GeneseeFuby]

Ruby is back home safe and sound. Seems she took a ride in a neighbor's truck while he was working at a construction site about 20 miles away. The neighbor grapevine finally caught up to him and he put "two and two together" and realized what had happened. She went back to her "flock" last weekend and her owners were very happy to have her back. Whew, now I can stop worrying.

 

[Sjisty]

I love a happy ending!