Lost all my Orpingtons

[KKatknap]

What to say. I am stunned at the hugeness of your loss. Truly. I'm so sorry.

 

[chickensioux]

So, so sorry for all your losses....

 

[LynneP]

You worked very hard to keep those birds safe- I must say I'm shocked at the lengths the bobcat went to, to acquire your birds. There have been sightings here and also reports of weasels- I find myself checking the run before entering the barn/coop, and checking for tiny holes and anywhere that a creature could gain access. I know I could not keep out a bear, that's my greatest fear. I'm so sorry about your Orps they are lovely birds and I hope in time you can rebuild. I'm also very glad neith of you was injured by the bobcat. Bobcats tend to be solitary hunters in winter, preferring rabbit but when rabbit populations are down they will even hunt pigs. I know you will watch for others and I hope you never have to suffer this again.

 

[Cara]

I cleaned up the coop, and the final tally is:

7 Buff Orpington hens
6 Catalpa Black Orpingtons
3 Blue Orpington pullets
17 Lav Orpingtons
1 Bourbon Red tom
1 Lemon Cuckoo project rooster
1 guinea
1 Langshan pullet
1 Blue Cochin hen
3 Ray Valentine Cuckoo Marans hens

That stupid cat killed over $750 worth of birds and didn't eat a single one.

I think we'll secure the perimeter with landmines in future, the coop is almost Fort Knox.

This is where she got in. The gate is 8' tall:

We'll be putting the toughest wire we can find over the panels and replace the chicken wire also.

 

[crazyhen]

Sometimes there is no words for the shock snd hurt we feel Even tears don't do it.

we just feel a trememndous loss. God bless you and help you to have another bunch of babies that need you as you need them. Gloria Jean

 

[ultasol]

The electric poultry netting from premier is awesome. I was lucky enough to pick some up used, and I wish I had enough for the whole property!

It allows me to rest a little easier. Nothing is foolproof, but I do feel better. I am sorry for your loss, that's a lot of nice birds to lose in one fell swoop.

 

[halo]

Who would have ever thought you could have a problem with that set up? Im so sorry.

 

[LovinMyPeeps]

I am sooo sorry. I can't even imagine losing all of my birds

What a horrific loss

 

[dlhunicorn]

Cara... I am without words. I am soooo devastated for you.
(((hugs))))
Diana

 

[matte]

Unbelievable. Looking at the pictures of your coop, I would never have thought. We have had raccoons tear through the regular hexagon chicken wire to get to chickens...even though it left them bloody! So sorry, I know that sickening feeling. At the very least you don't have to worry that you could have done more...I can't imagine anyone thinking that you had left them in danger in that pen.
Do you have a dog? That's about the only additional protection that I imagine might help in the future.