Can/Should I eat this chicken?

[PatS]

The same thing happened to us. Got my favorite chicken, too. The bobcat will probably be back looking for more to eat. We had a window in our coop and the bobcat knocked out the screen and jumped in and killed two chickens in the middle of the night. We heard the ruckus and went out immediately. We covered the window with half inch hardware cloth secured by big washers and screws and it hasn't been able to get back in there despite several tries over the next couple of weeks, but did come back and killed another hen one late afternoon. I chased it, it dropped the chicken, and like you we ate her. That cat jumped our 7 foot fence with ease! It didn't seem very afraid of us at all.

I'd go ahead and eat your girl. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Hennypen]

One of our beautiful Ameraucana hen was killed by a hawk. There were no puncture wounds and honestly, I can't figure out how she died unless he broke her neck. There was some blood around her head.

Yes, I cleaned her and she's in the refrigerator now. As I told my son, she still has one last thing to give us. We'll bury her bones.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

I couldn't see any wounds on my pullet until I had her plucked. Then it was pretty obvious. I'm considering getting an Anatolian Shepherd or similar guardian breed so that eventually, I can let my chickens free range again without fear of a bobcat or coyote. I don't know if they'd be much good against a hawk.

 

[Ibicella]

Yeah, I would still eat it in this case. I commend you for your practicality, bravery, and willingness to do this.

That said, I'm really sorry about Tyra. I am certain she'd be happy to know that she could take care of you one last time.

 

[peteyfoozer]

Quote:
I have 2 Maremmas and they have established a 'no fly zone' around my yard. My chickens free range a lot of the time and we are out on 250,000 acres so there is a LOT of predatory birds as well as all kinds of ground predators, including cougar and bobcat, which used to come in our yard. The LGD's have done a great job keeping EVERYTHING away. So far, in 2 years I haven't lost a sheep, goat, calf or chicken, and I raised 20 meaties completely outside with no coop last summer. If you have the right kind of set up, an LGD is a great investment. Not ALL will make great poultry dogs, but the ones who do are amazing.