Chicken Died in My Arms

[Justino]

OMG what a sad story!

its not ur fault....so sorry!

darn preditors! why dont they go eat eachother so there would be less of em!

 

[keechoo]

I do have a coop for them along with a run but on beautiful days I let them out to roam. They used to cross the street to forage in our neighbors' yard but they received a rooster and 2 hens recently so my rooster has stopped all crossing of the street.

My grandmother also warned me the fox might return which is why I'm so scared. It's raining today so they'll stay in which I think is a good idea.

We will soon be moving to New Jersey from Rhode Island. My husband is there now working and looking for a house with a lot of land so we can bring them. Once we get there I'll hire someone to build them a coop and proper run. My husband tried but it was difficult for him to do it alone and I couldn't help due to my muscular dystrophy. Anyway, we are looking in Sussex and Warren counties. If anyone has a good idea as to which towns to look into please let me know.

I'm sorry for rambling. I'm just trying to avoid checking on the chickens in fear of another death.

 

[SpottedCrow]

I'm so sorry for the loss of Paula...
I lost a feather baby to a raccoon and I just lost one to a hawk a week ago today...

anyone who thinks that chickens are "dumb" just needs to read what you wrote about what the roo and Paula's sister did... hugs

 

[jjthink]

I'm so very sorry. How terribly sad. And how heartwrenching about the preening. Spotted said it well. These wonderful beings know when a friend is hurt or gone and they feel it. When hen Betty was sick, BJ roo cared for her so tenderly but also became depressed, lost comb color and was becoming ill himself. When she died he didn't want to eat, drink or even move. I've seen this time and again when a chicken loses a friend. Dumb they are not and I hope I live to see the day when more humans than not understand this, because then and only then will chickens everywhere stand a chance of being treated as we treat them- with love and kindness.
Again, so very sorry and I hope you have no more losses. Your chickens may benefit from a little Rescue Remedy - it is known for its calming effect.
JJ

 

[peruvian_princess]

I think you are doing all you can do at the moment especially since you are moving soon.

 

[spook]

How tragic to loose one of your girls, nothing brings your heart back from the loss. You will love your other biddies and treasure memories, yet preditors are a constant challenge with all of us. You can build, wire, and secure everything and often its not enough. We did not have chickens, geese or ducks for years due to the heart ache of these preditors that come in for food.
Maine has just been blessed with opposums and I'm not sure how to deal with them, what they eat and if they like chicken. That is a bit to close for comfort.
Take care of yourself and there is nothing to blame except that nature can be cruel.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[aznewmom]

I'm so sorry for you and your bird.
What a sad story.
{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}
Stacy

 

[keechoo]

Thank you, everyone! We have been lucky in that the fox has not returned. It might have something to do with our cat. When they were young he would sleep in the coop with them so they aren't afraid of him. After the fox attack, the cat has started staying out all night until dawn. One night I went out late with a flashlight and watches him circle the coop and run. The next evening as I was getting ready to lock the chickens up, the cat went into their run and started spraying the perimeter. If he didn't spray, he rubbed against whatever he could. He never sprays because we had him neutered so I'm guessing it's his way of protecting them. Whatever it is, it's working.


On a sad note my neighbors from across the street lost 2 hens during the day. He was coming back for the roo but one owner chased the fox off. Now, we are all on guard.

 

[keechoo]

The fox returned last week and took my roo. It was a windy day and Ian wanted to keep the girls in my garage and out of the wind. Unfortunately, I didn't hear a thing but knew something was up when one of the hens wanted in the house. From what I can gather from the scene was that the fox tried to get inito the garage and the roo went after the fox to protect the girls. I found his feathers in the prickly bushes, by the garage, and feathers leading to the street. The remaining hens were found in the garage hidden behind a bunch of boxes and wood.

I stayed out with them for the rest of the day looking for the fox. I now am not taking any chances so they will stay in their run until we move. I know they hate it so I try to stay with them for a couple of hours a day and give them lots of treats. Since the roo attack there have not been any other attacks. I hope it stays that way.