Traumatized Chicks

[Relaxing with the Reds]

Earlier I posted about the terrible day my dog killed 8 of our 6 weeks old chicks. Well the remaining 4 are still frightened, it has been 5 days since the massacre. My girls won't spend time outside the coop even though the past days have been 90+ degrees, I got desperate enough and physically removed them from the coop only to see them quickly return inside. Last night I tried putting a fan in with them and that caused more fear than I thought they could handle. Good news is that they are no longer puffing up chests and pecking me when I come to say hello. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[chirpchirp]

i am sorry i dont have an answer, but i just wanted to say i am sorry that happened. poor girls.

 

[RendonRoo]

Can you lure them out with their favorite treat? I would try to sit in the run offering treats. Start close to the poop door and move farther out each time. Good Luck

 

[mediazeal]

Do they have an enclosed run or tractor?

Someplace you can lock them in 'out'? I have a big dog kennel with poultry netting all over it and I can 'dump' them in there to practice free ranging.

Are they afraid of you as well? or are you seen as the safe zone outside?

I left mine out for the first time yesterday with me standing guard. They didn't want to get close enough to be picked up but they stayed close by wherever I was.
(I was watching the sky, stick in hand)

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Relaxing with the Reds]

Mediazeal, thanks for the idea, I kept the A-frame that I used for day outings when they were really small, I think I'll put that outside of their run near where I will be working in the yard today and see how they like that, maybe a different location will brighten their outlook. Thanks everyone.

 

[mediazeal]

Let us know how it all goes.