Sad loss today

[Kevin565]

So sorry for your loss

 

[elmo]

Oh, I'm sorry. That's really awful.

A wire apron laid flat on the ground, extending outward from the baseboard of the run, can help deter dig ins. You can weigh or stake it down, and let the grass grown up through it, further anchoring it. It's easier than burying wire, and just as effective if not more so (unless you dig down really deep to bury the wire).

The pop door in my coop is also latched and barred...from the inside.

 

[ontimeborzoi]

You don't need to be home all day to raise chicks. With a proper brooder, they are not only self sufficient but also will not be lonely or missing you in any way. Go for it. Really.

 

[1muttsfan]

Quote:
Enabler warning! Trying to lure you to the dark side (incubation and hatching)

 

[coolcanoechic]

Update:
I just came from my brother's house to help him get things cleaned up. All of the chickens appeared to have bite marks on their necks. There was very little blood. There was one chicken who was dragged to the hole the predator dug to get in. It's head was gone because the bird could not possibly fit through the hole, and I think the animal must have torn it off trying to get the bird through.
The hole was very small. My best guess was that it was a weasel.
I gave brother and his wife big hugs.
They will start over in the spring.

As for me, so far I have viewed a few hatchery sites and every one of them has no chicks available. Argh. I will keep looking. I can only accomodate three full sized hens in my coop and run. I do not wish to stress them by overcrouding. I will keep trying to locate local farms in my area. Maybe they have something to offer that I can pick up. The online sites don't seem interested in selling just 3 birds or chicks....even if they had anything available. I guess this is just the wrong time of year. It's beginning to look like my new coop and run will be vacant for a long time before anyone will be able to live there.
What a sad day this has been. I think I need a beer now.

 

[1muttsfan]