Fox got a hen last night... I must have locked her out of the coop

[LoneCowboy]

I always shut my chickens in their coops every night. This one must have been still in the run and I just didn't see her. I shut the door when it was a little darker than normal. Anyway, a fox got her last night. He slipped down between the wire and the coop.

It's my fault and I'm just sick about it. I'm usually SO careful. I also lost 2 meat birds to cocci I'm guessing and one other yesterday. I'm just not having a good chicken week.

 

[speckledhen]

I'm so sorry, Deniece. Some weeks you just cant seem to get out of the well.

 

[cjeanean]

Man, that's tough! Hubby locked one of ours outside the coop and didn't realize it till the morning when she was already outside. Thankfully nothing happened to her! So sorry to hear about that! We have to shine a light into the run at night cause there's always one or two that don't like their bedtime.

 

[BeardedChick]

I'm sorry to hear that.

Sounds like the fox was hanging around waiting for an opportunity.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Oh yeah, he's hanging around for sure. There is always little critter poop in my yard. I have meat chickens out in a tractor. The neighbors lost a few because he's not as careful free ranging his as I am. My coops are built like Fort Knox so I don't worry very much but he found the weak link in my run. Don't worry, it won't be there tomorrow.

I worry that he's got the taste for chicken now and won't leave them alone. I really don't want to have to hurt him, he's only doing what comes natural, but I can't have him killing my girls

 

[pokey]

well, don't feel lonely....i came yesterday found my fav blue silkie gone , today was my millie fleur cochin!!!: i hate having to do what i'm gonna have to do, but i can't sleep knowing the birds are scared to death and in danger.. as if getting my two favorites wasn't bad enough the fox pooped over the spot he dug in at!

 

[ChickenTender63]

LoneCowboy, so sorry for your loss and hope the week gets better for you.

BTW, we lived out in Greeley for a number of years before moving to NC 2 1/2 years ago. Some days I really miss that area. Really miss going up to Estes Park and staying at the Stanley.

I absolutely loved being able to see the beautiful mountains everyday.

Take care!

CT

 

[Jessika]

I am so sorry about your hen.

 

[ILoveJoe]

I am so sorry to hear that. Don't beat yourself up over it, even though it is hard not to...I just lost my first chicken and it certainly could have been prevented.