Predator attack - RIP Snowball

[Biddieacres]

I let them out for the usual hour of free time before coming in to roost. They live for this time to forage. I had to come in for a minute and when I went back out, all I saw were hundreds of white feathers just on the border of my yard but in the woods. There was a trail of feathers going back into the woods. When I finally found the other 3 young chickens they seemed to be in a state of shock. They wouldn't come to me so I called for hours trying to lure them back to the run with scratch etc.

Finally they came slowly to grapes and I hearded them in. Luckily I had one hen sitting on one of Snowballs eggs so she was safe in the hen house. Ugghhh What a terrible day. The whole day was terrible then ended with this. I wish I knew what type of predator did this. I am guessing fox since there was a trail of feathers leading back in the woods. A hawk attack may have been different. I am so sad to loose her. I raised her from a day old and she was one that would run to me when I came out back.

Thanks for listening.

RIP Snowball - 8-24-09

 

[elmo]

I am so very sorry for your loss.

I'm sure Snowball had a very happy life while she lived. That's some consolation, I suppose.

By the way, I've done the same thing you describe. I've just been lucky, so far. And if you start blaming yourself for stepping away for a moment, realize that people here have had hawks swoop down on their birds even while they were right there, watching them.

The only way to ensure this doesn't happen is never to allow our chickens the freedom to free range; but in my opinion, this diminishes their quality of life. I can see how happy mine are to be able to roam around the yard, so I will keep on taking this calculated risk.

 

[LittleFeat]

Oh I'm so sorry....she's beautiful! When I first started this hobby of chickens I had no idea how hard things can be but you will always have her memories. Glad "it" didn't get any others.

 

[The Chicken People]

So very sorry for your loss!

 

[mdbokc]

What a loss....a beautiful bird. What kind?

 

[CMV]

She was a beauty. So sorry for your loss. Glad you have an egg from her.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

 

[Brindlebtch]

I am so sorry. How awful for you.

 

[HippieChickens]

My heart goes out to you. Snowball was a beautiful bird and lucky to spend her life with someone who loved her so much.

 

[Biddieacres]

Thanks everyone! They are still not coming out of the house. I decided to keep them locked in the run for now on. This fox knows where to come for a meal and I don't want to loose any more.

I will bring them fresh greens every day instead. I cook a lot and cut up herb stems etc... Thanks for your kind words. Raising chickens is so rewarding and when horrible things happen, I know I can come here for comfort. Thanks so much to all the kind folks on this forum.

Kristin

oh, and to answer your question mdbokc ....she was an Easter Egger. She laid the most beautiful sage green eggs.