Predator took all 5 hens last night! I feel horrible!

[chloemae]

So sorry you lost them. Hope you find out what happened.

I am thinking a fox....I was reading and saw this...

So sorry you lost them. Hope you find out what happened.

Thank you! I am thinking it was a fox...I was reading and this makes sense....

 

[hayley3]

When the birds disappear it's a fox or coyote. And didn't you say you lived in the city? Much less likely a coyote? A fox will snatch and run.
The reason I knew mine was a fox was because it had to jump a 6 foot fence several times and a fox can easily do that.

 

[chloemae]

When the birds disappear it's a fox or coyote. And didn't you say you lived in the city? Much less likely a coyote?
The reason I knew mine was a fox was because it had to jump a 6 foot fence several times and a fox can easily do that.

I definitely agree, there are coyote in the more wooded suburbs but we do actively see fox here in town....

 

[hayley3]

I finally realized I would never for sure know what happened to them and that is one part of it that is hard to let go. I think putting up a game camera is helpful in a way, it allows you to see what is going on at night while you are asleep, so you know what is out there. It's a way to do "something" to replace the feeling of helplessness.

 

[chloemae]

I finally realized I would never for sure know what happened to them and that is one part of it that is hard to let go. I think putting up a game camera is helpful in a way, it allows you to see what is going on at night while you are asleep, so you know what is out there. It's a way to do "something" to replace the feeling of helplessness.

I think one of the hardest things for me is that I do not know what happened. You are right, a camera would provide clues and maybe even have alerted me long before they all were taken. I am praying they died quickly and cannot imagine the horror of literally being easy sleeping prey in a warm, cozy hen house they could not escape. They depended on me and that just tears me up. I am really struggling with the lack of closure as I have nothing left but feathers. It is truly heartbreaking to me. It is a loss x 5 with no closure....

 

[hayley3]

That's the same thing I felt...that I could not be there to protect them, it killed me.

 

[chloemae]

That's the same thing I felt...that I could not be there to protect them, it killed me.

Exactly, thank you so much, it is so helpful to be able to relate to everyone here!!! ❤❤❤❤

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

I’m so sorry! I do think it was coyotes. They are known for distracting the dogs in one direction while others eat your birds.

 

[tdan]

I say some #2 traps and chicken leg quarters inside the coop and game cameras are in order.

If you intend to replace your girls, maybe get past the uncertainty and predator that thinks there is a buffet now. You ay slip up in the future and once an adult predator knows there is easy food in their area, they will check back. Just my opinion, but be prepared to handle what you catch if you do.

 

[chloemae]

I say some #2 traps and chicken leg quarters inside the coop and game cameras are in order.

If you intend to replace your girls, maybe get past the uncertainty and predator that thinks there is a buffet now. You ay slip up in the future and once an adult predator knows there is easy food in their area, they will check back. Just my opinion, but be prepared to handle what you catch if you do.

Thank you, that is excellent advice. I am not intending to get more chickens. I love them so much but between my guilt and heartache, I just couldn't live with myself if this ever happened again...