So many losses, so many missing, upset...

[bburn]

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I think the barn cats only did clean up. Racoon. Got my chicken two weeks ago....all that was left was the head and wings and back. Then I read some place that is what they leave. I think racoon. IMHO.....they could open the door too...possibly.

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

Dog attack. Probably not yours, but either the Rottie or coyote.

May have had a raccoon start the mayhem to open the door if it was shut. We've seen raccoons and coyotes pretty close together, and a easy meal is fair game.

Cats were just cleaning up the mess left behind.

edited to remove flaming/trolling

 

[terrilhb]

I know that it is sad about the cats. But she did what she thought she had to. It might not have been them but she thought it was. She came on here feeling bad and I am sure this is making her feel worse. I thought we were all here to support each other. If she had killed them just to do it and posted ok be upset but she meant well. Please give her a break and help her feel better.

 

[Equus5O]

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x2

 

[Minniechickmama]

Miss Red - First, I have to side with you on what you did with the cats. They had a taste of blood and chickens and they would just continue to do what they had done if they could get away with it. Let's be serious, folks. Shelters are FULL of cats and dogs and whatever that people don't want to take care of because there are WAY too many irresponsible people who do not get their pets spayed and neutered and just let them breed rampantly. AND since when is it INhumane to shoot an animal? Do you really think that boxing or caging and animal up (which really freaks them out and causes loads of stress) and taking it to a vet to then handle in a strange environment so they can wrestle with it, holding it down and making it even more afraid and stressed, just so they can inject their death through a needle is more humane than the quick, unexpected shot of a gun? Give me a break. I love animals, and I have a hard time putting down those that need to be when they are sick or injured even, but I do it in the quickest way I possibly know how and don't make them suffer or try not to make their last moments any more stressful than they need to be.
If I had been in that same situation, I would have done exactly the same thing.

Now, as for the mess you came home to, it wasn't just those cats. I know others have said it, but that was the work of a canine, leaving that mess strewn all over. Blue didn't do it because he would have feathers all over his mouth and there would be no survivors or at least none huddled anywhere. The go into a frenzy and kill them all. Poor Blue sounds like you have trained and he has understood exactly his place and is protecting your birds. Somebody else came in and did this. I would be tracking them down, and if it is someone's dog, I was expect compensation for losses. When it is your livelihood at stake, the rules are pretty clear in my book.

AND I am so sorry you lost your birds. I know that sick to your stomach feeling well when you find that mess. It is heartbreaking.

 

[terrilhb]

X2 to above post. Minniechickenmama that was well said. You explained exactly what I wanted to say. Just not that good with words. Thanks

 

[WriterofWords]

Are you sure another predator didn't get in there and the cats were just enjoying the left overs? I would be very careful and not assume you killed the right or the only predator, they will be back for more.

 

[aprophet]

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[klf73]

sounds like what I had after my coyote attacks....

 

[woodmort]

Dogs--coyotes would have carried off their kill. Like most predators coyotes kill to eat not to do destruction. Dogs, on the other hand, kill for the sake of killing. Don't think your faithful Blue wouldn't have done it because there is no guarantee that he didn't. Even the best trained guard dogs reach a point where the prey instinct kicks in and they go nuts. Sorry about the cats but you didn't eliminate your problem by killing them. BTW, had it been coyotes they probably would have taken a cat or two as well.