Marinah0 Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I went out to tuck my girls in about 19:30 and found only Vanessa my warren in the cube. Eggy my White Sussex bantam was no where to be seen. She is so timid, she's never even let me stroke her and prefers to stay in the fenced off chicken area rather than venture out into the rest of the garden... Should I assume a fox has taken her? I can't find any blood but she was moulting so there are feathers everywhere anyway. I've been working from home today so I'm sure I'd have heard her alarm call (although perhaps the wind masked it). Feeling really guilty and not sure whether to tell the kids or replace her secretly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 She may have decided to roost overnight in a bush or tree, maybe have a look with a torch? P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 Or she may have found a way out and not found her way back - voice of experience here . Have you had a walk round this morning shaking the corn tin (or something else she'll recognise and want)? My escapees would always come running for corn and I then had the challenge of getting them back over the fence and finding where the hole was to block it off. Here's hoping you find Eggy safe and sound this morning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennym Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 Oh dear, that's a worry! I hope you find her safe and sound this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marinah0 Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share Posted September 13, 2011 Thanks for all your tips. Ive had a thorough search again this morning and she is no where to be seen, tried the corn trick and nothing. I think we will have to tell the kids she is gone. Now we have the problem of Vanessa being alone, she is already looking bereft without her little eggy shadow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 Very sorry that Eggy has not turned up this morning. It is possible that she may still do so, but sadly I think you had better work on the assumption that she may not reappear. Vanessa will need a little friend or friends in the not too distant future if Eggy does not come back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 So sorry to hear this, fingers still crossed though that she will come home though, perhaps the strong winds frightened her and she hid somewhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 So sorry Eggy hasn't turned up . It's hard to think of right now, but Tweety is right, Vanessa will need company if Eggy's not around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marinah0 Posted September 16, 2011 Author Share Posted September 16, 2011 Been out this evening to tuck my solo girl Vanessa in (and wish her luck with the planned intro to 4 new friends arriving tomorrow) and found her dead by fox. I feel awful, I'd Installed fox watch and only let her free range while we were in the garden. I am so cross with myself for not putting her back in the run while I bathed the kids. Now I'm questioning whether to pick up the new chickens tomorrow as they will be confined to the 3m cube run while I order and install a WIR. Would that be cruel and make pecking order issues worse? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 So sorry 4 girls in a cube run will be fine though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 So sorry about poor Vanessa. I also think the new hens will be fine in a 3 meter run, especially as you are planning a bigger space for them. Bloomin foxes. Hope all goes well and it hasnt put you off keeping hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 How awful for you. The new hens will be fine in the Cube run. Afraid it can happen in the blink of an eye - at least you know what happened and aren't left wondering. Very sorry to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 So sorry to hear about Vanessa and that probably does explain where Eggy went too Newbies will be fine in a cube run and it will keep them very safe. They'll love the wir all the more when they get it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marinah0 Posted September 17, 2011 Author Share Posted September 17, 2011 6 new girls all tucked up in the cube tonight, fingers crossed I can keep them safe & sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...