Hi everyone,
I just wanted to give an update on these 2 beautiful little boys. This past weekend a fox was able to gain entry into their run and took Sunshine, the flock leader, my favorite chicken. It appeared not without a fight because his feathers were outside the run leading to the woods. The fox tried to come back for more but my mother was able to scare it off. All the other chickens were in the coop were spooked but seemingly okay.
The next morning the ladies timidly came out for snacks, which was odd because Troublemaker was always the one to come barreling out to stuff his little face. I went inside the coop and saw him just laying there looking so I gave him some pets and he seemed to appreciate it. He was limping when checked for injuries so I brought him inside. He slept in my lap for awhile and I noticed he had a puncture wound on his back, the wound appeared small and was only bleeding a little. He then started panting and his back appeared to be bubbling. He passed away in my hands shortly after.
My heart hurts so much. I miss them and i feel so bad that this happened to them. The fox was able to pull the door open with force, it was going to be locked again later. I can't believe I didn't think that this could happen.
I realize how truly blessed I was to have had these little roosters. They were able to keep the fox out of the coop itself, and it seems as though the hens aren't TOO traumatized. They are definitely disoriented and a little skittish. I secured the coop door much better than it was before like I should have done already. I underestimated wildlife which was so dumb of me. We put a trap and caught a bobcat the next night, which was relocated by environmental police. I appreciate everyone on this site sharing their stories, it helps to not feel alone. I loved those chickens so much, I will never forget them. Anyways, thank you for reading this.