Cockerel died protecting flock from hawk

[KikiDeAnime]

Our 10 month old cockerel named Spotted Elk died protecting his flock from a hawk.
This happened yesterday in the early morning while everyone was out free ranging with me supervising. I always supervise their free range time to prevent hawks from attacking the flock.
I was watching everyone while they dug through a spot I dug up with the shovel and I went inside for a quick moment to use the bathroom but came back to noise from the flock. I rushed outside to see the hawk flying off with Spotted Elk while the flock was hiding underneath a table. From where I was, I could see Spotted Elk struggling in the grasp of the hawk.
I locked everyone back up and gave them more food to help calm them down.

I'm very upset by this as Spotted Elk was a very sweet wimpy cockerel and never attacked us. I'm not sure any other cockerel/rooster could ever replace him with the type of personality he had.


Here's what Spotted Elk looked like:

 

[DobieLover]

Our 10 month old cockerel named Spotted Elk died protecting his flock from a hawk.
This happened yesterday in the early morning while everyone was out free ranging with me supervising. I always supervise their free range time to prevent hawks from attacking the flock.
I was watching everyone while they dug through a spot I dug up with the shovel and I went inside for a quick moment to use the bathroom but came back to noise from the flock. I rushed outside to see the hawk flying off with Spotted Elk while the flock was hiding underneath a table. From where I was, I could see Spotted Elk struggling in the grasp of the hawk.
I locked everyone back up and gave them more food to help calm them down.

I'm very upset by this as Spotted Elk was a very sweet wimpy cockerel and never attacked us. I'm not sure any other cockerel/rooster could ever replace him with the type of personality he had.


Here's what Spotted Elk looked like:

View attachment 2053132

Poor guy!

Unfortunately, it's more likely he was taken because of that headdress of his. He couldn't react in time to save himself.

So very sorry for your loss.

 

[KikiDeAnime]

Poor guy!

Unfortunately, it's more likely he was taken because of that headdress of his. He couldn't react in time to save himself.

So very sorry for your loss.

Actually he's protected them from a hawk before. He went after one the last time a hawk tried to take hen

 

[DobieLover]

Actually he's protected them from a hawk before. He went after one the last time a hawk tried to take hen

 

[cmom]

So sorry for your loss. You will never be able to replace Spotted Elk, but you can find another male you can love. I'm sure Spotted Elk will have the top spot in your heart. Good luck.

 

[chickens really]

Same scenario happened to me last summer. Although it was an Eagle on my Silkie Hen. I was able to save her though. I'm so sorry that happened..