I am just sick.

[insiderart]

Well apparently either one of the neighbor cats or a skunk chewed into my coop last night and killed my 6 week old speckled sussex and silkie. I am leaning towards cat. As both were killed, and only one was eaten. There was a tiny little hole chewed in the mesh on the back.

Now I knew I would need to replace that mesh this week (this coop was given to us, and the mesh was on there when we got it). We just returned last night from out of town. My Grandmother was in the hospital and was very ill. (She thankfully is better now).

Big issue is.... how do you tell a little 8 year old, 2 days before her birthday, that her favorite chicken is dead. The chicken that she plays with endlessly. To compound the issue we will be moving and she had latched onto that chicken as sort of her comfort thing. Husband even is building a whole coop just for that one chicken!

I am so mad right now I could spit! I just want to sit out on my porch with my gun and blast anything that moves! I know whatever it was will be back... and it'd better watch out! Too bad I don't have my live traps anymore (so I don't have to stay up all night)... Wait the neighbor may have one.....

Anyway I'm just ranting I guess. It's my own fault. I knew I would have to replace the mesh, but I guess I didn't know that something could chew a hole in it. It didn't appear that flimsy. Now I know. And I'm stuck with the tragedy.

 

[MysticScorpio82]

I am so sorry for your's and your daughter's loss.

I will say though that I would lean more towards skunk out of the 2 possible suspects you gave, only because I have never had a cat that has chewed through something to get into a place. It is possible a rat or something else chewed the hole, then a cat got in after. Either way, I know I am not much help, but I do feel bad about your loss. I hope you catch the *^&^(@! Happy Hunting!!

 

[navywife22]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I seriously doubt it was a cat that chewed through that. It had to have been a wild animal of some sort, skunk, raccoon etc, doing what comes natural to it unfortunately.

 

[mmwb]

I would say most likely a raccoon or skunk. How big of a hole was there?

Be straight forward with the child. Kind, but to the point. There aren't easy ways to deal with grief, but couching, coddling, or minimizing does not help. Help you daughter with any desires to take care of the remains. Burial, a few words and/or prayer... Death ceremonies and rituals are helpful. When the time is right, and she can determine that, get another bird or two, or a rabbit, or some other new playmate for her: Not to replace the bird she loss, but to fill the void the death created.

 

[NancyDz]

Wow, that sux!! I'm sorry

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Awwwwww....so sorry for your little girl. I know how much a child can get attached to a pet anything.

I doubt it was a cat also; am leaning more towards a racoon.

Have never had a skunk attack a grown chicken here. Mostly they eat eggs and maybe very young chicks.

 

[TexasVet]

Raccoon or 'possum would be my guess too. My crazy nextdoor neighbor has 18 cats, and I've never once seen them after my birds. Coons and possums are a whole different story...

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[Sunny Side Up]

for you and

for your little girl

Don't beat yourself up with all the shoulda-woulda-couldas. Hindsight is always 20/20. You did your best under the circumstances you encountered. Sometimes predators get past the most carefully-made coops. And of course Murphy's Law of Chicken Depredation says it's your very favorite birds that get taken first. Like many a seasoned chickeneer, you just have to learn from your loss and make your next coop even better.

My boys are always sad when we lose a favorite chicken, but have learned that it's a part of keeping these birds. Though they are hardy animals they are also vulnerable, and we have learned to appreciate their every day with us. We find it helps to bury them under a favorite bush or tree in order for them to help it to grow, and so in that way, continue to live on.

Since you're moving, is there a relative's or friend's house where you might bury your bird? That way your daughter could still be able to visit the site. If not, just pick a nice spot in your yard & let her go. I pray for grace as you & your family go through this, & your move.

 

[insiderart]

Well the hole was pretty small. Maybe 3 inches in diameter. Maybe. Whatever it was had to really squeeze in there. Which is why I am leaning towards the cat. These chicks were just 6 weeks old. And whatever it was had to get up the stairs too. I have seen a tom cat over there. But a skunk is a possibility.

Yeah. She's very sad. She loved Fudgie.

 

[mypicklebird]

So sorry for your loss.
8 yrs old, she knows by now that things can die. I would after telling her as gently as possible what happened (probably leaving out details unless she specifically asks and can handle it emotionally), let her decide if she wants a goodbye ceremony of some sort and if she wants to have a burial/grave to visit.

Probably not a cat, they will catch small birds/small chickens if they are a hungry or prey driven cat- but almost all cats will take their prey to a safe/favorite place to eat- as most outdoor cat owners have seen. Doorsteps, driveways ect, they don't usually stick around in the place they caught it.

I had a problem with RATS for awhile, they can enter very small holes as well as burrow in. They will kill small chickens/chicks- but are not strong enough to pull them away. I lost chicks, 12 wk pullets, and a adult silkie. A dead bird with most of the small bones still in place (knawed looking) is probably a rat(s), maybe pulled to the corner of the pen or partially in a hole. These are night time predators.

Missing adult birds with just feathers left- large predator-- fox/coyote/bobcat. These are usually dawn/dusk predators. Often seasonal- when they have families to feed. They can dig in, climb, tear wire.

Raccoons- kill everything they can reach, often adult birds too- and will often just eat the head. They can climb, and can learn to open latches and hook closures. If a 3 yr old boy or older can get into the coop, a raccoon certainly can is my raccoon rule. They are usually late night predators.

Skunks & opossums usually only go after sick/dead birds, eggs and chicks. They are mostly scavengers- and won't work too hard to catch anything. Also late night visitor.

Stray or loose pet dogs will sometimes chase and kill- usually daytime- but don't usually eat chickens- they aren't looking for a meal, but have a chase & retrieve or bite drive.

Most rural areas have hawks around during the day, which (especially when they have hatchlings) will go after chickens- usually the smaller and lighter colored ones. They usually can't fly away with them, but will eat the muscle areas of the back/breast. Free ranging flocks are the most at risk, as they will usually stay out of smaller pens- as they have a hard time getting back out, off of the ground.

Some areas have weasels too. Talk to local chicken folk/neighbors to see what you have in your area so you can better protect your flock.