Betty is gone

[Six Betties]

Hi. It was broad daylight. Middle of day. My husband and dog were in nearby workshop. I had four chickens out free ranging on the lawn. We are surrounded by farmers fields. Heard nothing. Saw only scattered feathers and three chickens remaining. I am keeping others in outdoor coop that is wired closed. I hope nothing comes back to break in. Such a sad day. I’m just sick. Poor thing was just having a nice day.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I’m so sorry for your loss.
I think it was an attack by a hawk.

 

[True Patriot]

Sorry
Surrounded by fields in daylight my first guess would be fox. I would keep the flock in for a few days and a sharp eye out.

 

[staceyj]

I am so very sorry for your loss.
I meet people sometimes, who when they find out I “have chickens” seem surprised.
If a person has never spent time with chickens I suppose it’s just difficult to for them to imagine that they are very personable creatures.

That they are funny and smart and resourceful and sneaky and friendly and care about each other or even that the can have enemies!

That watching them isn’t called chicken TV for nothing.

That caring for them seldom feels like a chore (unless lice or mites is involved)

That the sound of their “chicken talk” is both amusing and soothing.

Who knew that chickens purr with delight?

That they take great pleasure in the simple things that chickens appreciate.

A mud puddle.
A sandy spot in the sun.
A drink of fresh water.
A bowl of oatmeal and yogurt on a cold morning.

I have only had a small flock, and this is my experience friend.

I think the often joked about concept of chicken math is impactful here, but in a sad way.

Subtraction.

The smaller your flock, the bigger the hole the loss of one leaves behind.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I used to allow my chickens to roam my fenced yard, not anymore. Build a Chicken House that is coop/run combined & they stay in. We don't have predators here like you all do in the Mainland but we do have hawks & my neighbors have dogs that get too intense watching the girls & they got too curious about the dogs.

 

[Six Betties]

This is lovely and so true. Thank you!


QUOTE="staceyj, post: 20328096, member: 455379"]I am so very sorry for your loss.
I meet people sometimes, who when they find out I “have chickens” seem surprised.
If a person has never spent time with chickens I suppose it’s just difficult to for them to imagine that they are very personable creatures.

That they are funny and smart and resourceful and sneaky and friendly and care about each other or even that the can have enemies!

That watching them isn’t called chicken TV for nothing.

That caring for them seldom feels like a chore (unless lice or mites is involved)

That the sound of their “chicken talk” is both amusing and soothing.

Who knew that chickens purr with delight?

That they take great pleasure in the simple things that chickens appreciate.

A mud puddle.
A sandy spot in the sun.
A drink of fresh water.
A bowl of oatmeal and yogurt on a cold morning.

I have only had a small flock, and this is my experience friend.

I think the often joked about concept of chicken math is impactful here, but in a sad way.

Subtraction.

The smaller your flock, the bigger the hole the loss of one leaves behind.[/QUOTE]

 

[Six Betties]

Good to know. I am learning.

QUOTE="ChickNanny13, post: 20328116, member: 221730"] I used to allow my chickens to roam my fenced yard, not anymore. Build a Chicken House that is coop/run combined & they stay in. We don't have predators here like you all do in the Mainland but we do have hawks & my neighbors have dogs that get too intense watching the girls & they got too curious about the dogs. [/QUOTE]

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

So sorry. It’s so heartbreaking when u lose a beloved feathered loved one.