Feeling Bad

[EmmaDonovan]

Welcome! It's never easy to take a life but you did it to defend your flock, which was necessary.

We have skunks here but I never thought about them getting into our pens. Your post was eye-opening for me, so thank you for that.

 

[McChooky]

I covered everything with hw cloth in 2021 and haven't had anything break in my coop or run . Its the gold standard for those who don't want to lose any birds and don't like killing predators

 

[triciayoung]

A life is a life. You are a good person for feeling bad. At the same time, you had to protect your flock and you are absolutely correct, the skunk would stalk and kill if it is not killed. Like others have said, chicken wire, even if doubled or tripled is no where close to good enough. I put a link for you to see 1/2 hardware cloth:
https://www.amazon.com/TUOKS-Hardwa...8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[Artchickenlover21]

I know how you feel! You did what you had to to protect your chickens. It sounds like you just have deep empathy and that's okay and often a good thing. I have high empathy too, I can't stand the thought of killing animals, even the predators. They're living things too like us and purposefully causing pain or death to them can be difficult. Good on you though for doing what was necessary.

(I also adore skunks and possums)

Sending hugs.