Something killed.....

[HenHappy]

Hang in there Mr.Dad. We are all rooting for you!

 

[TheBigWRanch]

If you do find the rooster again, make sure to keep it cooped up for a few weeks, so it knows where it's home is. Good luck!

 

[mudhen]

Oh, Mr. Dad, ...
First I gotta say, I can't believe the lousy run of luck you're having...I'm sending you and your family big hugs....
Second.......ya gotta know that someday you and your family are going to re-tell this story of your first flock and be rolling in laughter.

Keep positve thoughts, you know we are here for you! When you catch that roo, coop him up and give him a good talking to!!
In the meantime enjoy Decker....and keep smiling!

 

[BeckyLa]

Garsh, Dad, you're having a time of it, aren't you? I'm so sorry all of this has happened to you. Funny thing about chickens is that they have to be "trained." If you find your roo or opt to get another one I think it would help if you left him in the carrier for a few days. Put him, in the carrier, out in the yard with you hen free ranging and give them a chance to get acquainted and give him time to learn where home is now. Your new roo had no idea he was "home" only that everything was strange. Chickens alway like what is familiar to them so he left to look for the nasty but familiar home he had left. You'll want to keep any new bird cooped up for a few days to a week so they can learn where home is. And while they are in the cage is a good time to work with them to settle them down and get them used to you.

 

[jimnjay]

LOL, Dad, I have been there too! When I could wait no longer to get my chickens after we moved here with all the space and a nice large shed, I went to a place that has lots of livestock on the weekends. I bought two Barred Rock pullets. Anyway I stopped by the feed store to get food and they had chicks so I go home with 6 chicks and two Pullets just going into lay. I quickly rigged up a fence next to the shed and we cut a hole in the side to allow entry for the chickens. They came out and promptly flew over the 4 ft fence and took off. One managed to wonder back and I never saw the other one.

I am sorry to laugh but I know you will look back at your first chicken experience with some levity in the future as was mentioned.

Baby chicks are showing up in feed stores these days so I would guess that you will be a good prospect for the peeps future caregiver. Good Luck, Your new rooster may come back but he may be a bugger to catch so be prepared with some way to get him. Even a sheet thrown over him will slow him down enough to catch him.

 

[Mr.Dad]

Honestly I had to laugh this morning once I got over the intial shock.....by shock I mean thinking to myself "You dumb S***".....

When he 'spilt my son looked at me and said "You should have left himn the cage dad" and punched me in the stomach (he's five so it didn't hurt, but really made me realize how stupid I looked and was)......

My wife looked at me and said "I can't believe you"

I've really driven her nuts during this whole chicken thing

I went looking for him last night hoping to find him under a bush.......NG....no signs of him today either......

Anyway I don't blame anyone for laughing....and welcome it really......they could have made a movie out of me during this whole thing.....my love for animals has really made me look like a dope......but I've learned a lot........

 

[BeckyLa]

Now come on, Mr. Dad, don't be so hard on yourself. Believe me, we all have our moments. If there's one thing your not it's a dope. Nope. If anything, you are a kind, gentle, considerate man (something hard to find in todays world) who cares about others, even silly birds. Just keep these moments in mind when you bring home the next one!

 

[chickbea]

Oh, Mr. Dad, you have had a time of it. I'm glad you still have Decker, the little survivor!

 

[mudhen]

Now don't think that way Mr. Dad, hindsight is always 20/20.
Did you post flyers in the area to see if any neighbors have spotted your roo? Maybe your kids could do a little drawing of the little wayfarer for the flyer.
In any case, don't be beating yourself up over this. You have proven yourself to be a very responsible, loving and caring individual in this entire adventure from the very start!!
Big hugs to you and yours, and know you have all of us behind you!

 

[eichenluft]

I have feral cats (trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, released in the barn) and they have never bothered the chickens. in fact, the chickens like to eat the cat food from their dish - the cats are lucky to get any! I do lock the baby chicks up in a dog crate at night, the cats might be interested in them - but they would have to get through the hen to get the chicks. I'm sure a dog, or raccoon got your chickens.

molly