Highs and lows of chicken keeping

[Penny]

Blackbeard had hidden herself under the shed for 3 weeks and emerged yesterday with 6 beautiful chicks in tow. Shes skittish one so catching her isn't an option. This morning, still dark, I hear a commotion. Throw on my sneakers with my housecoat and head to the coop with phone as a flashlight. I didnt see anything but a suspicious pile of black feathers. Oh no. I follow the cheeping to a single black chick hallway across the yard and his legs are wrong, flopping with his little wings. I take him into the house to make him comfortable as possible. Daylight I head back down to let the rest if the ladies out...another tiny black chick running amok between the adults. Catch him too. Head towards the other coop and a huddle of 3 chicks. Total 5 of 6 recovered and still no sign of mama. Rig up the electric blanket with a washtub and food and water. What to do with 5 chicks and no brooder set up? Post on FB! Hooray someone has a brooder set up with 2 other chicks that were rejected. Head back to the barn for one last look...there, over by the horse shelter, being protected by wonderful old Speckles is the last chick. Speckles has her own that are 4 weeks old but she sure was interested. Ah well...they are going to a home that will enjoy them. I however have lost my most proficient layer (if I judge for the 75 % black chicks I had this year -lol). Such are the trials and tribulations of chicken keeping.

[Happy]

Aww I'm sorry. RIP Blackbeard. She died protecting her babes. I'm glad you found a home for them.

[Kbr42]

Very sad to lose Mamma! Sounds like she was a great hen!

[Penny]

The coop is being moved this weekend and all access to the underneath will be fixed. I've learned my lesson, broodies will brood in the coop.

[Killerbunny]

Sorry to hear about Blackbeard, a good Mama.
Likely nothing you could have done.

[muffin57]

So sorry for your loss Penny. That truly sucks!

[windwalkingwolf]

I'm so sorry about Blackbeard So glad her chicks were (mostly) spared, small miracles! Mama must have made them scatter and take cover.

[Jaye]

Sorry to hear, @Penny . It's so hard when you lose a favourite.

[baronrenfrew]

yep, in a world where no one traps predators (so they are abundant) birds outdoors at night its a matter of when not if.

I raise my hat to another one gone before her time.

[KimChick]

Nothing left but feathers? And orphan chicks? Oh boy.
So sorry about that. Good thing you heard the commotion so you could save the chicks!