Yep, I'm sure it is scary for them all. Johnny (man in black-austrolorp) is our other roo that stays in with the hens and he did a wonderful job of getting the hens together and taking cover. But it does sadden me to think they had to see their friend attacked and chowed on. My husband was the one home at the time and even thought he is a "tough guy" it really upset him.
We knew there was some degree of risk, but we have a huge english mastiff and she is in and out throughout the day and I guess we thought she'd scare anything off-b/c she does protect the flock and was good pals with Derk. Lesson learned-we were wrong and everyone is staying on lock down in fully enclosed run until it's warm enough for us to stay out there with them.
I think all these hawk attacks are due to this extreme cold. Not that they couldn't/wouldn't happen anyway. BUt I think it's killing off a lot of other food sources for the hawks.
I'm so sorry that others are feeling the same loss
I have to just try and tell myself it's part of nature and the cycle of life....still stings though.
