Lost a girl 💔

[mrsbigtime]

hi friends.

When I went out to give our girls treats today, I only counted 5 hens and when I went to find out missing lady, I found her body in the non-secured side of our barn-turned coop. I am so heartbroken.

Last night was the only night I’ve ever not checked to count all 6 were in the coop (my husband is hunting and I’m managing lots solo this week - it was just an oversight), and my daughter just quickly let them out this morning and doesn’t recall if she saw our Delilah or not, so I don’t know when it happened, but I definitely saw her yesterday afternoon, so it was either last night or this morning.

Here’s my question, her head was intact and most of her body was there, but there were feathers everywhere and it looks like her abdomen was the main target. I’m wondering what may have gotten her (an opossum?) and what do I need to do to ensure no one else is eaten. Their actual coop is secure all around, but they get to range in a fenced area during the day, so it must have been that she didn’t get into the coop last night and I missed her, or this morning. I’m really afraid that now that something knows where food is, they will come back.

I know this is “farm life” but I have three very heartbroken kids and I can’t risk all of our girls having the same fate.

I’d love your wisdom/experience/suggestions, please and thank you

 

[SmiYa0126]

I'm so sorry

 

[Luv Ducks]

I'm very sorry also. I would make sure they are all in the coop at night for sure and keep an eye out during the day if they are free ranging. It could have been a raccoon as they also go for the entrails. I have been very fortunate to have not lost any of my flock to a predator. Good luck with the rest of your hens. I can surely understand your concern.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Wow we had a hawk scare yesrerday!! Zone 6a, yxxI watched it as it floated down getting lower and lower, right above spicy tunas head.....it stretched its legs down to grab her! At first, i wasnt clear what it was, but i leapt to action and screamed and it veered off. Super supervised free range today if any the day before a bobcat walked through the yard..... careful everyone!