So, about 3 years ago I raised six chicks in a cage in my bedroom until they were ready to be moved into my huge shed-turned-coop that is pretty much 100% predator proof. Once they were fully grown it wasn't long before I allowed them to free range, as my yard is set up well for a flock. Well, after about a year and a half, one morning I opened up the door before work (it was 6am and the sun was just rising). When I came home there was only two very scared hens left, and feathers all over the yard. I felt absolutely horrible. I know that losses happen with free range, but I just felt that they would have a better life being able to scratch about the yard and take dirt baths. That was last fall, and this spring I got three hens and a bantam rooster from my friend's flock and integrated them. I quickly got attached to the new group and they all got along well. My chickens are very much pets - they would climb into my lap to eat treats and they all had names. Just last night the heavy wind blew the coop door open and when I came home from my boyfriends house this afternoon there was again only two chickens left and feathers all over. First, I feel like a horrible person for taking the chickens from their old home and moving them here just to be eaten by a predator. How do you get over the loss of your flock members? Second, I am wondering if anyone could help ID the predator. Regarding the predator, there is no blood or trail of feathers, just groups of feathers across the yard. My neighbor has seen a small group of coyotes in the area, but I would have thought they'd have left a trail or at least a little blood. Third, should I get more chickens and subject them to being eaten, or just leave my two lonely? Should I still let them free range or keep them in the coop all the time?
