An Owl wiped out my PW flock (pics included)

[pixiedouglas]

I'm so so sorry about your chickens. I would be devastated.

I know you're sad about the owl, I would be too. But how great is your dog? She was just doing her job and trying to protect the flock. Also I know it was too late, but that is some amazing training that she would release just like that, good dog!

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Oh Laurie, what a tragic morning all around for everyone involved.

And I am touched by your compassion for the beautiful owl. I hope the PW breeder can help you rebuild your flock.

 

[KlaHaYa Gardens]

Thank you for sharing the picture of the beautiful owl. My kids spent 6 weeks in Tennessee studying owls in2002. I'm glad you appreciate that life as well.

I'm curious . . . did you note how the owl killed the chickens? Were their heads missing? Also, how many chickens were killed?

 

[ChicaChicken]

Quote:
+1

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Quote:
Thanks Gail. I appreciate all life. I know that its just nature and that the owl didn't say, "Jeez, lets go kill Laurie's chickens to piss her off." The owl is so gorgeous and I wept when I saw just how beautiful he was. I know that Lady was only doing what she was trained to do and it was hard not to discipline her. But she's doing her job. She took down a coyote about 6 weeks ago as well. One bite to his throat was all it took and he was dead. She's uses the least amount of force.

And she's great with the chickens, ducks, geese, and guineas. Even my parrots. I have pictures of my Scarlet macaw riding on her back! LOL

I know that Rebecca and Jerry Foley will help me with my flock. Although I haven't had any contact with Jerry, I have with Rebecca and she's been wonderful. I'm sure they'll help me.

Laurie

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Quote:
Yes the owl took their heads and ripped into their chest cavities. It breaks my heart that they died that way. It also breaks my heart that the owl died the way it did. Its just a sad day all the way around.

Laurie

 

[schellie69]

Sorry you lost your chickens. Your dog just did her job, the owl was really pretty. I hope you can restart on your chickens.

 

[mtngrl812]

WOW! what a most magnificent creature! The owl was a rare chance for you to really see one up close, and it is probably a different mourning than your little babies will be. I would have wanted to keep the owl. Sorry for your loss , but yeah for your chance to learn and experience such a creature up close.

Thank you for sharing the photo, any thing you learned about the owl and it's behavior would be appreciated too. It may still be a sensitive subject for you still, but any info on it's kill behavior would be appreciated or how it got into your coop for sure. The info will help others learn what may be killing their flock or how to prevent owls from entering the coops.

 

[Mzyla]

So sorry - any loss of animal, no matter under what circumstances - it's always painful!
We do feel your grief ...

Be strong....Think about some other pleasant things and your other animals that you still have.
In time pain will easy....

Dog did his job!
Question is bogging my mind; how the dog get into the coop which was netted from all sides?

 

[chicmom]

OH gosh, I am so sorry that you lost for flock to the owl. I was walking my dog the other day, (we live out in the country), and I saw a little owl by the side of the road that looked to be sleeping but was of course dead. It was very small, but beautiful.

Also, once my dad rescued a great horned owl from a leg trap. He threw his coat over it and released it. It flew away.

So kind of you to appreciate a beautiful bird like that, even under these sad circumstances........