Single hen

[PLS]

Oh my! just had a horrible experience on the first day we have let our two new chickens out of their run into the garden. I noticed a cat stalking Dandelion by the run and ran down to chase it away - and then realised Dotty was missing. I searched high and low and then heard a desperate flapping and she was stuck in our pond, hidden from view by the reeds. I quickly got her out and wrapped her up warm and stroked her for a while and now, although still a bit wet, I think she's okay - eating again and competing with Dandelion for food thank goodness! Can chickens swim? could she have been scared in by the cat? perhaps it was a big gust of wind that knocked her in, as it is violently gusty today, do chickens learn from their mistakes? should they not be near ponds? - all ideas and advice very welcome!! My heart is still pounding...

[The Dogmother]

She migth just have got scared of the cat, or the high winds and tripped into the pond in her confusion. Might be best to fence it off though - someone on here had a chook who drowned in a pond.

[Laura & CTB]

What a nasty shock for you and her, poor thing. Glad she is okay now though

 

I would say that chickens do not learn from their mistakes (well mine haven't) and as Clare says it would definately be worth making the pond off limits.

[Egluntyne]

Oh my word! Poor chook. Poor You.

 

I'd fence the pond off.

 

Welcome to the forum by the way!

[skye]

nasty thing to happen, especially on your girls' first day.

 

Glad they're ok, and I'm sure future free-ranging adventures won't be so traumatic.

 

Skye x