DUCK GOT ATACKED BY FOX

[NorthernChick1]

I let our chickens (bantams, until the current batch of chicks) free-range in our yard when we are home because it makes their lives wonderful. Our run is dirt, and not sunny enough. We live in the city, and have a 6 foot fence and dogs, but withwe still lose one to hawks in the early spring and late fall, as well as to medical issues. Even one to a poisonous mushroom she found. I've had to kill a number of them over the years to end their suffering. It sucks, big-time. They are our pets, and I try everything first, unless I strongly suspect it might just prolong their suffering. Unfortunately, chickens are prey animals, and in most yards there is simply not enough cover, and in the city we can't keep roos (by ordinance--they will confiscate.) Cats climb fences, foxes break into covered runs, weasels squeeze into hen houses. Raccoons drag them right through the wire, if they can fit their hands in. You can't blame them. Unlike us, they get to experience REAL hunger on a regular basis, and their babies need to eat or they starve. Having losses does NOT mean you are not a good caretaker. Predator-proof their area with poultry WIRE, 1/2 x 1" rectangular holes, sturdier than hardware "cloth"-- it's different than poultry NETTING, which has those oval holes, and is flimsy, easily bendable wire. Poultry netting will keep hawks out, but that's about all. Keep your girls' environment clean and dry, make sure their water is clean, feed them a good diet, and enjoy them while you have them. Birds in general don't die of old age. Unless you keep them securely locked up, which might not be an enjoyable life for them, you are going to lose some to predators, and in either case, you will lose some to medical issues. I, too, get very down when this happens, but the alternative is to not have the joy of their company, and to not give them the very best life that I can--sunshine, dustbaths, grass to nibble, bug chasing, and the occasional treat from my lunch. Even if they don't live as long as you hope, if you give them a good life and they have a swift death, you've done well by them. Pity the battery hen, and hug those chickens!

Thanks so much for you kind words and imput! I appreciate all of you!

 

[Duck_life]

how is your duck?