So I was cleaning the coop yesterday, had to go somewhere in a hurry and left the door to the HENHOUSE wide open making a one-stop-shopping drive-up window. My poor girls!!! I came out this morning to throw out some scratch grains and they were in the yard and I was like what the ???? and realized I left the door open and was missing one chicken.
The funny thing is, there is no sign of a struggle and no body near. This makes me think it was something bigger that took it but if it was a fox, I wouldn't have any left and I live in Suburbia so I wouldn't think a coyote would get it. I'm pretty sure a raccoon would kill it before it dragged it off, right? So I'm stumped. What got it? I would love to think if flew far away in the chase but that would be optimistic to the point of foolishness. I know better.
I live close to downtown Knoxville and thus only have (had) 6 chickens and now ones gone. Worse, this is a breeder flock that came from probably some of the best stock in this breed that I drove nine hours to South Carolina to get when they were chicks AND they're only about three weeks out from laying their first eggs. What a bonehead move. My poor girls. I wish I had a roo as a last (first, in this instance) line of defense, the girls are too valuable. Word to the not-so-wise: Close the door at night. Thats the only thing I could have left open to leave them so vulnerable. Any other door and there would have still been 1 line of defense. I guess thats why I have an automatic door in the coop, so I don't have to remember to close it. Too bad I cant dummie-proof this door too. Poor girls.... At least it wasn't a fox (like that crazy event that happened to Goldlaced_girl) or theyd all be gone. I hate predators. I have a dog and a 20 Guage and if I see something....Well, whatever it was just better not let themselves be seen....Poor girls....
I live close to downtown Knoxville and thus only have (had) 6 chickens and now ones gone. Worse, this is a breeder flock that came from probably some of the best stock in this breed that I drove nine hours to South Carolina to get when they were chicks AND they're only about three weeks out from laying their first eggs. What a bonehead move. My poor girls. I wish I had a roo as a last (first, in this instance) line of defense, the girls are too valuable. Word to the not-so-wise: Close the door at night. Thats the only thing I could have left open to leave them so vulnerable. Any other door and there would have still been 1 line of defense. I guess thats why I have an automatic door in the coop, so I don't have to remember to close it. Too bad I cant dummie-proof this door too. Poor girls.... At least it wasn't a fox (like that crazy event that happened to Goldlaced_girl) or theyd all be gone. I hate predators. I have a dog and a 20 Guage and if I see something....Well, whatever it was just better not let themselves be seen....Poor girls....
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