Missing bird

[timmyalex]

Morning all,

Yesterday we let the girls out for the first time in ages because of the snow. Let them out at 10.00 o'clock and went back to put them in at about 3.30 and we were one bird missing. They always, always come when i call and despite searching all around the orchard where we keep them nothing. I suppose my question is "Could a fox have taken her"? I ask such a simple question because i would have thought that if a fox had been around in the day time then he would have killed all of the chooks before taking one away and not just take one. Whats your thoughts. She was a Welsummer which we had grown from 5 days old and she had just started laying beautiful chocolate coloured eggs.

[RichmondHens]

Chances are she has been taken by something, possibly a fox. Still, you never know, maybe she got scared by something, took off and couldn't find her way back. Keep an eye out, she may yet return. Have had this happen myself before. Missed one at bedtime, thought she had been eaten, but she turned up next day none the worse for her night out.

If it was a fox, it may well have been disturbed in the act and therefore only managed to take just one.

[MaureenHall]

I hope she turns up!! She may have been hiding in the bushes somewhere, it's happened to a couple of mine in the past

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thinking of you. Do let us know what happens.

[Eco-Chic]

Hope you find her tomorrow.

When Myrtle No Knickers went awol after I chucked her out of the coop to stop her broodiness, she made a nest in the far corner under the coop. Given the darkness and her slate grey colouring I was unable to see her until I put a torch on during my final looksee for her.

[mr darcy]

any luck today? has she turned up? I hope so...just a thought, are there any other hens nearby? if she did get lost she might be hanging out next to the nearest hens, violette abandoned Scarlet this morning(first day together) flew out, and started trying to get in next doors hen run...anyway, might be worth a look if there are other hens not far away, good luck

[timmyalex]

Bad News

It's bad news i'm afraid. My OH searched around and under a couple of big pine trees where they have built themselves a dust bath she found the feathers. Obviously got by something most likely the fox but could have been a dog belonging to the next door who keep their horses there. Anyway, shes definately a gonner. Only problem now is that i daren't let the girls out and their all wondering why. Still better safe than sorry and we'll look to find a suitable replacement. Life can be so cruel sometimes.

[Eco-Chic]

I'm sorry to hear that TimmyAlex

[mr darcy]

really sorry

[dexterdoglancashire]

Sorry. How horrible for you.

[tlck9]

yes worst nightmare, there are some sad stories on here

[Nicos]

Very sad.
Maybe it's time for an electric fence???
(I bought mine in the uk- pm me if you're interested in info about the one I got)

We have 5 foxes in the field behind and mine free range within the fence dawn til dusk, and I leave it on at night to give them a reminding zap if they get too close. Fingers crossed it's worked so far

[RichmondHens]

Sorry to hear the sad news TA. I agree with Nicos. Electric fences a must if you have foxes around, then you can still let the hens roam. Better than keeping them shut up in a small pen, especially if they have been used to being free.

[frias]

Sorry to hear about your hen. I have the electric fence Nicos recommends and it does give peace of mind.

[timmyalex]

security measures

Unfortunately it would cost a fortune to electric fence the orchard where we keep the girls. Their pen is quite large (about 25ft x 30ft) and has an electric fence around, so once in the pen i think they are relatively safe. It's just a shame they will not be able to roam free as before. I will wait for the weather to improve and the foxes to produce their cubs and then think again about letting them out.