One of my chickens was killed and I am full of guilt

[SulkyBantam]

Good they should be OK. I dug my fence into the ground it really works. Glad you feel better.

 

[samuel46383]

I'm sorry, do you have any idea what killed it?
It will back, so keep your eyes open.

I have no idea what killed it. Whatever it was took it out of the enclosure and its head was missing. The rest of the body was still there though. I live in crofton maryland, so maybe a coyote? I have no idea.

 

[The Happster]

I'm so sorry.
It happens to all of us. Certainly not something you should be feeling guilty about - you've looked after those birds for this long, and you clearly care about them.

Welcome to BYC.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

I am so sorry for your loss! Sometimes our most difficult lessons come when we think we were doing everything just right.

I don’t know of any chicken keeper who hasn’t experienced some kind of misfortune as a result a of shortcoming in the design or construction of a coop or run or even a care routine. To say it’s our fault sounds a bit intentional, and we know in our hearts it’s not, but it’s still our responsibility. Sadly, the only way to own that is to acknowledge our responsibility, learn from the experience and make the appropriate change. You’ll do that, and then, knowing you’ve done what you could, you’ll become a better keeper.

It can be a painful process. You’ll get thru it, and learn from it, and be better for it. And, you’ll have lots of company.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

And, welcome to the forum. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances, but now that you’re here, stick around!

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

Oh dear I am so sorry for your losses! Most accident could have been prevented but those are the toughest lessons we learn from. I lost a favorite pullet to my two huskies and it was my fault for not better protecting and watching. Just don't beat yourself up.. I know that's easier said than done but it will be ok.

 

[ackie]

Unfortunately a lesson everyone has to learn is that chicken wire is only good for keeping chickens in, not good for keeping anything else out. We have all learned it through personal loss or the cautionary tale of someone who has experienced loss. You are not alone.

 

[Offshoreorca]

Oh, I'm sorry. As stated in other messages, use proper hardware cloth (1/4 or 1/2 inch) all around the coop including the top and dig it into the ground a foot or two. If you do this, you shouldn't have to worry at all about predation as your run will be like Fort Knox. Predators are extremely clever, but it is possible to outwit them with some experience and adjustments.

 

[cmom]

I can feel your pain. Last year a fox killed my very special bird. Her name was Gladys. I don't usually name my birds except for the special ones. Gladys was a cross beak that I had hatched out and raised. Normally I cull but I somehow missed Gladys. She had her own coop with other birds now and then that might need a bit of extra TLC. She knew her name and would come when called and loved to be held. She was 3 years old when a a fox took her during the middle of the day when I was distracted. I had been seeing a fox on my cameras more at night. When she didn't come when I called her I knew something was wrong. I found some piles of feathers. I followed the trail but never did find her. I cried. I put traps out and caught the fox. It was mangy and boy did it stink. I knew it was a risk to let her out and but let my guard down. I still blame myself for not putting her back in her pen. She was dust bathing when I last saw her. It's hard to loose a bird to a predator. If you have a game camera, put it up. Most likely the predator will be back and then you will know what you're dealing with and can make a plan. Good luck...

 

[cmom]

Now I have electric wires around my coops and pens, concrete under the gates and good heavy duty netting covering all of the pens all due to losses from predators in the past. Nothing gets past the electric wires. Again good luck...