Devastated dosn't even cover it

[WillowWispFarm]

I thought I was done crying sunday, when I found nothing but feathers all over near the barn that morning. Something had taken my bantam out of her "egg cave" as we called it, and took off with her only leavning feathers. I was starting to cope better till I got text at work saying to call my mom. Got a hold of my step dad and he told me the news that another chicken had gotten killed. This time They saw what had her. Mom saw a stray cat dragging her away so this morning at 5am she chased it down trying to save my chicken, but it was to late. The cat dropped her and ran off but apparently broke her neck or something. Mom held her as she took her last breath. As soon as i got the news i burst into tears and left work and drove right home. I found out it was one i named Stella, and after taking her leg band off I gave her the burial that she deserved.

I know two are gone but there are 3 others that are missing and I'm guessing they got the same fate. We are going on a little hunting trip tonight and as soon as our house is done being built we are building a new coop and run.
Living out in the country I figured we may have a preditor or something, a mink maybe but a stray cat this far out.
I've been crying on and off all day and have been going out and counting chickens all day since I got home.
Sorry if this isn't the right place, wasnt sure where else to put this.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

Sorry for your loss

. Been there a few times

 

[marchick]

So sorry for your loss! I think you may need to get a live trap.I have heard that you might be able to get one on loan at the animal shelters.

 

[duckets]

Very Sorry for your losses WillowWispFarm, Even standard 1 or 2 inch chicken wire isn't very protective material, 1/2 inch or 1 inch hardware cloth is suitable, however light gauge chain link fencing is very good insurance against most common predators and it is very inexpensive.

I'm not fond of feral cats, however you will only make yourself feel worse if you try and hunt it down, although you can usually borrow a trap from most animal control shelters and bait it with a can of tuna. Or you can purchase one for under 40.00, and keep it baited on your property downwind from your birds, then you will have more protection from cats, raccoon's, and foxes.

(I see where marchick had the same idea!)

 

[WillowWispFarm]

thank you everyone. I actually just started working at Tractor supply so I can check into fencing when the time comes.
As for the cat, well my moms kinda on that more then I am. I dont think many people agree with what will happen but she having my step dad take care of things. The stray cat even attacked and almost killed my indoor cat when she escaped one night, costing her around $400 in vet bills and almost taking her life. We even asked the vet suggestions about it and she said most places, even the shelter wont take a cat like that if we tried bringing it in.

 

[marchick]

I read where a wessels can fit through a 1 inch opening.I went with 1/2" to be safe! Years ago I had a large shed and we used 2x4 suspended from ceiling. Worked great.they could jump from window ledge to roost. Never lost a chicken from cat or wessel. Just a thought would save on need for hardware cloth.Its expensive!

 

[marchick]

thank you everyone. I actually just started working at Tractor supply so I can check into fencing when the time comes.
As for the cat, well my moms kinda on that more then I am. I dont think many people agree with what will happen but she having my step dad take care of things. The stray cat even attacked and almost killed my indoor cat when she escaped one night, costing her around $400 in vet bills and almost taking her life. We even asked the vet suggestions about it and she said most places, even the shelter wont take a cat like that if we tried bringing it in.

You have to do what you have to do to save your pets!!!! I hope your kitty is well soon! My Prayers are with you!

 

[WillowWispFarm]

You have to do what you have to do to save your pets!!!! I hope your kitty is well soon! My Prayers are with you!

Thank you, Sammy (the cat) is doing 100% better. She had a huge absess on her leg from the attack so we had to take her in and they kept her over night (had to lance and drain it) and she had to have a drip tube in for 4 days and is still on meds. She is acting so much better now tho, the only way you could tell she got hurt is from her shaved bum haha
Also my step dad isn't a huge chicken lover but he knows how much they mean to me so hes going to make sure my babys are fine. I still have 12 and I will make sure it stays that way.

 

[marchick]

I love my chickens and as much as I wouldn't want to harm another animal! If there is no other choice and I had to do something to save them! I would have my husband or son take care of it!!! Did I tell you I am also 100% chicken!!!! lol

 

[WhitecatFarm]

Mr. Shotgun is your friend. My barn cats occasionally grab a tiny chick or a new keet, but never a larger bird. I need the barn cats to keep the rodents down. I have had problems with fox and coon, but as I said Mr. Shotgun takes care of that.