I got 5 hens as chicks last spring, for the first time ever. I'm a reformed city-girl living in a semi-rural area in VA. My daughters and I raised them from 2 days old. Last Saturday early morning a fox burrowed under the fence. My husband and I heard the squawking as one ran past our bedroom window. By the time I ran out to the pen, they were all dead. Three were laying in the fenced area. The fox chased the one who managed to fly over the fence down the street. We found her body in the neighbor's front yard. We never found one who must have been dragged away for later. What I want to say on this forum is how surprisingly devastating this was for me. I feel so guilty, because I should have protected them better (my husband built the fence and we thought it was secure). I am surprised at how emotional I am about these birds. I have paid so much attention to them that now I look out in the vast expanse of our large rural yard and see the empty coop and it breaks my heart. I am tearing up writing about it now. I am determined to do it right again. I have been researching and my husband has spent hours working on a new coop. We are now looking for silkies. I am considering hatching eggs. I know it is a natural process (predator/prey), but I have always had lots of house pets, without the fear of being eaten. I'd like to hear what you chicken people have to say. I have been on many websites that look like its not uncommon to attach to these wonderful animals. Also, to hatch or not to hatch...that is the question. Andrea
I am sorry that you lost your flock. It may be nature at work, but that doesn't make it hurt less. Those that love chickens can get really attached to those feathered family members. I am one of those. I recently lost my Dot. He was hatched here and was my first bantam. I had him for 6 years, 4 months, and 10 days. I was and still am devistated. I was luckly that I was able to find one of his sons and now have him back as his Father's Heir. Matt
I know its hard over the summer I lost 15 chickens to our neighbors dog. It was a big hit and it took me a long while to get over it. They were given to me for my birthday I had been dreaming all my life of raising chickens. When your ready you will do what you feel is right. I think you can fix the problem you had we all learn even if it is the way life is.....its all a big lesson a very heart breaking one. I tried replacing Mr Grey right away with 2 new BR roosters I honestly at that time couldn't bring my self to get attached so I gave them to my kids and now they belong to them. When you feel better you will do what is right for you...give your self some heal time or maybe you are able to start over soon... I know nothing after a loss can make it all better right away so its hard to say what is right or wrong for you to do. I wish you luck!!!!
