We had 3 2 1/2 wk old chicks and decided to put them out on Sat. for some fresh air. It was a bit warm but nice in the shade. I put them in a cage with 1x2 square holes and inverted a table that was larger than the cage and put that on top to shade and to deter any animals. I was out there with them most of the time but had to go in and put my daughter down for a nap. She and my DH laid down in my room and I was in the living room when he came to tell me that the chickens were under my bedroom window squawking and had been for 10 min. He went out to see what was going on and found a hawk on the ground, pulling the last of the three babies head off. The other two were completely gone. If he had only told me when he first heard them. Of course we know now. But I was just sick. I guess I always assumed that a hawk would swoop down and pick up prey and keep flying. It never dawned on me really that they would land and eat. Or that they could pull those babies through such small holes. I cried, I feel so guilty. They were helpless in that cage and it was all my fault. My DH keeps telling me that things are going to happen if we are going to have animals. I just really hate it. Anyway, I have some more eggs coming this week and I have learned a valuable lesson. I plan to do alot more to keep my chickens safe. I am so glad it did not get any of the older ones. Take care.
Marie
Marie
Last edited: