Whether it is chickens or songbirds, the keeping/feeding flocks of birds isn't 'natural' and it is the role of the predator to come in an neutralize the numbers. Bottom line, we love bait and so does everyone else and it's up to us to make our coops like Ft. Knox.
If you insist on free-ranging...
It's always sad to lose one...we love 'bait'. I'm sorry for your loss. It seems that everyone loves the taste of chicken. I'm sure you are working towards covering their pen. It's a constant challenge to keep them protected. There was some lingering doubt that hubby counted correctly, so it's...