Bad night for chickens

[cmom]

A couple of days ago I was working outside. All of the birds were safely in their pens but all of a sudden were really fussing abnormally loud. I went down to the coops and was making lots of noises. Apparently, probably a fox or coyote must have taken off because I didn't see anything and the birds quieted down. I have seen a fox lately on my games cameras most nights. It is very skinny probably looking for a chicken dinner.

 

[tsperry88]

I didn't have a lot of time this morning, but I walked around and didn't see any of them. I'll walk around again tonight. I'm not hopeful. They are young and stayed close by. Beyond sight of the coop, it would be easy to get lost. The others are doing well. I want to free range them, but I never expected to lose 5 at once, outside the coop.

 

[tsperry88]

I decided to raise some more Rhode islands. We likes them and miss them. Should be here in 3 weeks. Figure 6 birds will be easier than 19 was. Except I have to integrate them into the flock this time.

The only plus side is that all the birds roost now. A few had started after I switched the bedding from pine to hemp.