Sad-Happy

 

SAD:   A VERY large dog made its way to our farm yesterday … uninvited.  It killed two chickens (Wyandotte & Rhode Island Red), injured two Wyandotte’s so badly they were put down, and a fifth (Rhode Island Red) may not live through her injuries. My FIL came upon the scene, caught the dog, and put it in the shop. My MIL called the sheriff (he can’t do anything in animal situations) and the neighbors.  The visiting relative of a neighbor is the dog’s owner, so thankfully the dog doesn’t live in the area.  She felt awful and offered to reimburse me for the loss. 

Uffda, it’s tough to loose animals and pets.  We have all become attached to our chickens … they come running when they hear us, they give us eggs, and eat tons of bugs.

HAPPY:  The reimbursement will be used to replace the lost hens.  I called to order Delaware’s, but apparently all hatcheries are out.  So, I asked about Ameraucanas and to my surprise, they are available! 

Last spring, when I ordered, I had wanted to purchase Ameraucanas, which lay tinted blue or green eggs.  None were available until June, and not wanting to wait that long, Barred Rocks were ordered instead.  Now that laying hens need to be replaced, I called a company that ships a minimum of 15 – that’s all I can handle at this time.  A call will be placed on Friday to determine when the 15 pullet chicks will arrive.  So, here we go again…

Also, I’ve been regretting not ordering a cockerel.  I can’t help but feel this attack may have been averted if we’d have had a guard rooster in the coop.  Maybe the hens could have gotten away … maybe the rooster would have fought off the dog …   BUT, I believe one of the Barred Rock’s is actually a cockerel.  This chick developed a comb and wattle faster than the other four, and the coloring is lighter, greyer than the others.  Only time will tell!