We had our first predator losses yesterday...I know that it is part of the territory, I tried to prepare myself, but I am so sickened and sad. How do you ever get used to this? What keeps you going on raising chickens anyway?
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to learn out of mistakes give wisdom to keep onWe had our first predator losses yesterday...I know that it is part of the territory, I tried to prepare myself, but I am so sickened and sad. How do you ever get used to this? What keeps you going on raising chickens anyway?
I loose a lot exotic ducks,domestic rabbits, pheasants, guinea s and chicken to stray cats and wild cats and I agree with you it is frustrating sometimes you stand with empty handsIt's so upsetting to lose anyone in a flock to a predator, my condolences. How many did you lose?
My family has always raised chickens for eggs and personal pleasure, nothing else. After a predator gets a girl or boy I remind myself that that chicken, no matter how young, lived a pleasant and happy life with us and not one spent in a cage. Knowing that the eggs we receive comes from happy chickens is what matters most to us.
Predators are frustrating but you just have to do the best you can to keep the flock safe and from there, let things be as they will. I loved my barred rock Velma, but she constantly strayed from the safety of the flock, and eventually a neighborhood dog got her. If I had another chance though I'm not sure what I could do differently besides keep her in the coop. She lived and died out in the fresh air, with plenty of grass and corn to eat. I know we gave her the best life we could.
What keeps us going is the promise of humane eggs and a happy flock. Chickens already don't live very long naturally. You've just got to enjoy them while you can. :')