I figured I could post this here, but I came home today to find a fox had got into my chicken run. I am so sad. We had one laying hen, whom I had grown really close to, and she was killed. Only one hen survived, and I am honestly not sure if she will make it or not. Her rump feathers got bitten off, but she is walking around, eating, drinking. . . so I don't know, we will see, I am trying to not get my hopes up, and just trying to make her as comfortable as possible.
About two weeks ago, we had a hawk get one of our hens, and my husband built a run (they were free ranging prior to this). We've had a ton of snow and prior to this weekend our coop was safe in a blanket of snow. Ugh. Live and learn, RIP chickens.
Our local feed store has chicks coming in starting tomorrow, and I am doubting whether I should start my flock over again.
Any tips for better protecting my flock from future predators would be appreciated. I am thinking we should have a chicken tractor for them for the summer to move around a bit, but now Im not sure with the predators about how safe they would be.
Sorry for laying it all out, it just made me so sad today.
About two weeks ago, we had a hawk get one of our hens, and my husband built a run (they were free ranging prior to this). We've had a ton of snow and prior to this weekend our coop was safe in a blanket of snow. Ugh. Live and learn, RIP chickens.
Our local feed store has chicks coming in starting tomorrow, and I am doubting whether I should start my flock over again.
Any tips for better protecting my flock from future predators would be appreciated. I am thinking we should have a chicken tractor for them for the summer to move around a bit, but now Im not sure with the predators about how safe they would be.
Sorry for laying it all out, it just made me so sad today.