So sorry, CL & RM about your family losses. It is a very hard time for you...
RFF- You're looking fabulous! Try not to fret too much. Only time will tell if there is a genetic/congenital problem- even so, there is no major concern about her health. 10 fingers & 10 toes, right?!
We had a scare last night. I let the puppy outside and worked out for about 10 minutes before I was bored of the exercise program. When I went outside to let the dog back in, she had our SLW in front of her with feathers all over the yard. Bird was turned on her back with wing outstretched & not moving.
I ran outside to pick her up. After picking her up, realized she was not dead- just in shock.
Brought her inside to check her out (thinking I'd have to release her of her misery). To my relief, I couldn't find any lacerations. I rinsed off the grass and dirt and excessive saliva(I think dog was probably moving her around the yard based on where the feathers were). I towel dried her & then put her inside a clean towel & under my robe to keep her warm with her head sticking out. Her crop felt empty so I scrambled some eggs which she ate well. Once DH got home, he went out to get the blowdryer and we verified there were no obvious lacerations. Stupid dog had defeathered some of her back, her wings, and her rump.
After she was fully dried (she loved her underbelly fluffed), she went out with the other girls into the coop (bedtime). This morning she was looking just fine.
DH was so mad he wanted to get rid of the pup right then.
He was angry at the puppy, angry that we got a bird dog, angry that we didn't protect the hens enough (they do jump over the 3' fence into the 'greener' part of the backyard, angry that we don't have a dog run, angry that we haven't spent enough time with the puppy to exhaust her entirely that chickens never sound like a good play toy. I told him to wait a week and we can readdress rehoming at that time.
No need to make a decision based on frustrations... I have strong feelings that animals aren't just temporary- she's part of the family and we just have not done a good enough job teaching her that the hens are part of our pack too.
I'm sure he'll calm down and we will find out how to address this new behavior that the dog has exhibited.
