So, my husband spent an entire month building the chicken tractor I designed and begged him for, while the Silkies I had bought slept snugly in our Shih-tzu's dog kennel. Then finally the coop was complete....excitement all around! Unfortunately (in hindsight), it just so happened that my 4-yr-old niece spent the night with me the first night my Silkies spent in their new home.
Well, of course, she LOVED the chickens, and just before dark she insisted on telling them "goodnight." I allowed her to, but failed to check she had closed and latched the door back properly when she was done. She didn't.
The next morning, ALL FIVE Silkies were gone; nothing but feathers and a few wings left. No idea what type of predator it was, but I cried for three days.
Yesterday, Mother's Day, my husband told me it was time to pull myself together and replace my little flock, which we did. This time, I came home with three Silkies, an Ameraucana, and a Frizzle. So very adorable....all around 9 weeks of age.
I was as nervous as a cat last night (their first night in the chicken tractor), even though no niece this time, and all doors were latched securely. I'm happy beyond description to say that all five of my girls are safe and sound this morning. Phew!
Well, of course, she LOVED the chickens, and just before dark she insisted on telling them "goodnight." I allowed her to, but failed to check she had closed and latched the door back properly when she was done. She didn't.
The next morning, ALL FIVE Silkies were gone; nothing but feathers and a few wings left. No idea what type of predator it was, but I cried for three days.
Yesterday, Mother's Day, my husband told me it was time to pull myself together and replace my little flock, which we did. This time, I came home with three Silkies, an Ameraucana, and a Frizzle. So very adorable....all around 9 weeks of age.
I was as nervous as a cat last night (their first night in the chicken tractor), even though no niece this time, and all doors were latched securely. I'm happy beyond description to say that all five of my girls are safe and sound this morning. Phew!
