Nature is beautiful...and cruel

[cmom]

Quote:
same

X2

 

[LT]

Quote:
Thank you! On days like today, I feel like a complete failure. But I do like what Stephanie739 said. These girls have a wonderful life. Thanks for confirming we are doing it right.

 

[artsy1]

 

[snazzyboots]

i'm sorry for your loss. i let my girls free range in our yard. i am terrified of something getting them but they are so happy being out that i can't imagine keeping them cooped up even thought they would be safer. i take comfort in knowing that if the worst does happen at least they were happy. hopefully you can do the same.

 

[Chick15]

I know exactly what you are going through, Our speckled sussex, Beauty, was just recently murdered by a hawk, but it was not big enough to carry heer off, so was eating her head in the middle of the backyard when my mom found her. I cried all night. But do not worry. She is up in Chicken Heaven now

 

[LT]

Today, we let the girls out because my husband was working in the yard, and we thought that would be a deterrent. It wasn't. The hawk came out of nowhere, and my husband saw it in his peripheral vision. Thankfully the girls scattered, some into the run, some under the bushes. All are accounted for. My husband is furious! I guess now we will have to sit outside with them and not take our eyes off them. I am guessing by the time of year that it is a juvenile hawk...you know brazen and full of hormonal rage.

 

[hispoptart]

Sorry for your loss

 

[wood&feathers]

It is hawk migrations season. If you want to minimize your losses this might be a good time to limit how much they free range, perhaps until at least after Thanksgiving.

Fall is much more dangerous for us because the foliage is off when they come through. In spring our Hickories and Horse Chestnuts leaf out before the big wave of hawks come through.

 

[LT]

wood&feathers :

It is hawk migrations season. If you want to minimize your losses this might be a good time to limit how much they free range, perhaps until at least after Thanksgiving.

Fall is much more dangerous for us because the foliage is off when they come through. In spring our Hickories and Horse Chestnuts leaf out before the big wave of hawks come through.

It's good advice for sure. This afternoon, my husband and I stood watch for a couple of hours so the girls could free range without the fear of an overhead assault. The same hawk kept circling, but I think we made our message clear. All the girls laid today...8 for 8. They continue to amaze me with their resilience.​