Chicken Shirl Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 Hello, very long time since I needed your expert services. Two of my hens disappeared a few weeks ago into deep ravine at the side of our house. we searched every where and were unable to find them. We now know that one of them is in a neighbours field and we are not able to get to her because of a guard dog. This morning I heard scratching down in the ravine and there is my hen with twelve chicks in tow. Do I leave her to bring the chicks home or take a box down to this very dangerous situation and try and get them all at dusk? Will she bring them home if I don't feed them? I had to go and have a look this morning and took her some food and I have left water for them...I brought the food away in case of rats. What should I do? Here she is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 Sorry not an expert But what a lovely photo of mum and cute fluffies I guess you have to weigh up the dangers to, first yourself! Then, I guess mum and chicks. Do they have shelter or is your weather good? Predators??? I guess you can monitor the situation daily and see how it goes??? She seems to being doing a good job so far Wanted to ask what breed is your hen? She reminds me of a hen I had who was a black/gold birchen pekin Oh do keep us posted Please? Best wishes for you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 Hello, long time no see I spend part of the year in Portugal at the mo so nearly a neighbour I think you have to weigh up the risks. Could she free range for food and water down there? If so you could decide to leave her and take the risk about predators. If not, or you can't bear to leave her then I'd be a bit dubious about her returning of her own free will, they are so dim about finding their way about so I wouldn't be confident about any homing instinct unless you could lure her with treats - would she come to the sound of corn in a tin if she could see you? Which leaves you the feed and water regularly but leave option, or the rescue. Only you know if it's feasible. If so I think you need a companion in case of disaster, and more than one box so you aren't carrying too much. If she roosts on the ground you could try trapping her in a fishing net to get her and the chicks under her in one go. An unusual problem, I don't envy you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 There are no real predators like foxes and my 10 cats are not a threat to them. They are used to chicks in the garden. I have never seen any dogs in the Ravine but I am not looking all the time...To be honest I think she would be fine... She has been coming back to eat and drink while she was broody, I have seen the broody poos around. I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and bring them up out of there. I have some young friends coming to dinner tomorrow evening, they could help me do it. The other hen in the field will be a different story. it will be very interesting to see what she does. Nice to see you too. I will certainly keep you posted. She is a mix of breeds like all my chickens. There are three like her from last years hatch..They are called "The Sofias" ( (Spanish spelling.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 Lovely story -wheres dad when you need him? Is he a stray or yours or a neighbours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 Sadly he is blind in one eye now. He is not capable of flying onto the 11foot wall to rescue her. He is the chocolate Wyandot in the middle of this group. Lovely boy called Buttons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Hes a fine looking chap - being blind in one eye didnt stop him doing the deadly deed lovely story keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 I took the bull by the horns...took a cat box down and sprinkled some mealworms inside. Sofia went straight in, I closed the box and popped each chick in through the small top opener. Magic! She is now in a broody pen in the garden with food and water. There was one little one that tried to elude me Feeling very happy and ready for a busy day in the garden. Until the other one decides to show me where she is. No worriesI I am an expert now. BTW! There are 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Too early to know if they are girls or boys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Oh well done That's great news 14 chicks - what a Mum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 No, I have no idea what sex they are. She is a young hen so there will be loads of cockerels. Always sad for the boys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Ah what a lovely update Well done Please keep us posted I'm hoping for cute fluffies in about 2 weeks But chick watching is very time consuming I bet your glad they are in your garden.....much easier to keep an eye on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted March 30, 2015 Author Share Posted March 30, 2015 I certainly am. Caring for them down there would have been a nightmare. You're right! Chick watching is very time consuming. I hope your fluffiness hatch on time and are all well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Such a lovely Spring story Very Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
