Lost these two beauties to a fox

[Shepshill]

We used to let our four chickens free range for an hour or so each evening, weather and schedules permitting. We had no issues for about nine months. On Mother’s Day, I caught a fox carrying off my Barred Rock and found that three piles of feathers was all that remained of my Buff Orpington. I haven’t let the remaining two out since that night. I know that they miss their evenings out and I miss watching them out enjoying themselves, but I cannot face losing another chicken. These were our first experience with chickens, and they were such a nice, compatible little flock. I wanted to see them grow old together.

 

[tripletfeb]

Very sorry for your loss. Could you stay outside with the others?

 

[pennyJo1960]

I am sorry for your loss ditto

 

[Shepshill]

Yes, but I read a thread about a fox grabbing two chickens while the owner was ten feet away weeding around the coop!

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

My condolences

 

[Shepshill]

My condolences

The article posted recently, “Poultry Ownership and Dealing with Loss” really reasonated with me.

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

I will have to search for that, sounds like a good article, glad it helped you

 

[LittleMissCountry]

So sorry about your chickens! I have the same problem with a fox hanging around. I thought I would be safe letting them out while I was out, but others pointed out that they will grab them in front of you. Mine are missing the outside time as well.

 

[Trish1974]

I am so sorry for your loss. Fox are the worst. And yes, they will grab a chicken right in front of you.

 

[llombardo]

Yes, but I read a thread about a fox grabbing two chickens while the owner was ten feet away weeding around the coop!

Better safe then sorry. Being alive in a smaller area beats the alternative.