We are feeling rather guilty as we had plans last night with friends in Atlanta and we needed to leave about 6:00pm. HB went out to feed and put everyone to bed for the night but he said the chickens were still out and about and he decided to wait until we got home last night. We've done this a few times before with no tragic consequences. Not this time...one hen was gone completely and the other HB found "most" of. We lost one of the Black Sex Links (at least that's what I have decided to call her) and a Silver Laced Wyandotte (Christy - it was not one of your girls but one of the "probies" as HB refers to our latest additions).
RIP Girls! I'm sorry we didn't keep you safe.
I'm sorry that you lost two of the girls. Do you know what is getting them? We found a red fox carrying off one of ours not too long ago.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Isn't that how it always goes? Gone for just a short while and something happens. I've had that same luck as well.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I chased a Lynx up the hill, that snatched one of our hens, right in the middle of the day. So don't feel too bad. This could have happen when you were home. It's so hard to try and get them inside when you leave for somewhere before they are ready to go in themselves. Just know that what ever it was that took the hens was hungry and needed the food. It just happens no matter how vigilant you are.
ReplyDeleteWhat you might try is sprinkling flour around the pen and reading the tracks. At least you will know what you are after and how to handle it.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Got live traps?
Sorry to hear about the loss. There is always something lurking about that loves to eat chickens sadly. We`ve lost our share as well over the years.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone. We have lost 6 hens to date in the last 6 months (always in twos) and while sad, I do understand that it comes with the territory and is bound to happen. Also, while it really ticks me off I know that whatever is doing this is also following it's own natural way. That being said, I am pretty sure it's a raccoon (or opossum). It is coming over a 6 foot chain link fence and leaving the same way with victim in tow. We set a live trap in early October for two weeks and nothing. Mixed up baits moved it around....whatever it is it's a smart little devil. I think I'll try the flour idea if nothing else than to confirm my suspicions.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks everyone. It just sucks to go out and find a dead chicken or the remains there of. Especially with these new girls that I've tried so hard to fatten up.......it was not for some nocturnal predators culinary delight!
Have a great Sunday!
Awe, sorry bout your loss. We lost a hen to an illness last week. I felt guilty for days over it.
ReplyDeleteAwww, bummer. Don't blame yourself.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from Ohio...Kim<><
Awwwww I hate things to happen like that! So sorry for your loss. A friend of ours made a cute little pen for some ducks....and the same thing happened with a coyote...he was devastated!
ReplyDeleteNature can be so cruel.
Sorry Sandy...we sure have been enjoying the girls eggs....Had a fried egg sandwich for supper tonight.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Sandy! I know how hard it is. If it makes you feel any better, one of the girls we got from you (Lily) has become very affectionate. I'm guessing she is the one that is laying. I love how our girls come up to us for petting.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's such a bummer. Hens are especially hard to lose because we are expecting them to be around for a while. you know? Sounds more like raccoon than possum to me. They are so tricky!
ReplyDeleteI had the same with a fox and chicks by a bird of prey!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. I recently lost Olive to a coyote and still feel sad about it. I feel bad that I didn't protect her better. I let them out to range in the yard. It happened during the day, while I was inside the house. I had a false sense of security. So aggravating.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. A possum took two of ours in a very violent fashion right under our noses. I guess the fate of all of us who decide to farm.
ReplyDelete