Need help, entire flock gone **warning- graphic photo**

[McChooky]

You might consider putting live traps on your property at night. If you catch the cat or dog, does your island have an animal control? Otherwise, when it comes to livestock harm you have probably legally have the right to kill predators, even if they belong to other people, so long as they are on your property. However, when in doubt (and honestly even when you're legally protected) practice the three S's: Shoot, Shovel, and Shut up.

You could trap it, pray you don't get bit and have a huge hospital bill then put it in a kennel until you can find its owner(who has already heard what its done by now thru the grapevine and won't claim it)
The closest shelter to me is in the next county -an hour away (are they required to take it? No) We don't have a shelter where we can surrender a dog or cat.The 3 S's is the only option for many sadly

 

[Mother of Chaos]

@CabritaChicks I just came across this. I don’t usually read this subforum. I’m so sorry; I have no words.

 

[Pigeony]

I am so sorry for your losses, that sounds just so brutal,frustrating, and heartbreaking all at once.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Cabrita, I'm so so sorry. This has been such a rough start for you guys, and I know how much you love your birds.

We’re in the process of building a larger, more functional structure (can we say a run so big I dont feel guilty?).

Don't feel guilty! My birds are penned 100% of the time because they wouldn't last a week out here. My neighbors free range and have constant losses, but they also have large flocks with birds that are just for eggs. You have to do what works for you. I know you have a wealth of knowledge on animal welfare, so whatever size run you end up building, I'm sure your flock is going to have everything it needs to be content and thrive!

 

[CabritaChicks]

Cabrita, I'm so so sorry. This has been such a rough start for you guys, and I know how much you love your birds.


Don't feel guilty! My birds are penned 100% of the time because they wouldn't last a week out here. My neighbors free range and have constant losses, but they also have large flocks with birds that are just for eggs. You have to do what works for you. I know you have a wealth of knowledge on animal welfare, so whatever size run you end up building, I'm sure your flock is going to have everything it needs to be content and thrive!

For the run, I still need to work out the finer details (because I’m that kind of person).

My plan is a living jungle gym with rocks/trees, live homepathic plants like moringa, planted fodder beds, destroy-able herb garden in the center, a tiki hut with solar fans, two more water and feed stations... 165 ft of fencing shipping to the island. I’m thinking roughly 60 × 30 ft (open air- not with a roof accept the tiki hut, aerial predators are not my issue). It wont be a true rectangle as I am working with, not against the landscape... and I still need 'sexy' in the description.

Thanks for the reassurance. It’s funny with chickens — whatever you thought your plans would be can change in an instant. It’s an ever-evolving hobby!

 

[thecatumbrella]

It wont be a true rectangle as I am working with, not against the landscape... and I still need 'sexy' in the description.

Sexy convex polyhedron. Rolls off the tongue.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

 

[CabritaChicks]

Sexy convex polyhedron. Rolls off the tongue.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Thanks! I will give updates soon.