So upset! My Speckled Sussex was killed

[okiechick57]

Aw I am so sorry you lost dot :aww

 

[chicknmania]

Sounds like a small hawk or falcon. On this past Thanksgiving day I surprised what I think was a falcon eating one of our medium sized hens. The bird of prey was very small; I have never seen one like it in the wild, at least not close up. It had eaten the hen's head, except for her comb, and feathers were scattered everywhere. The rest of the body remained untouched; probably because the bird didn't have a chance to finish it's meal. My sympathies for you. We had three Speckled Sussex; a roo and two hens. One hen was eaten by a coon over a year ago; our Lil Dude roo was devoted to the other hen. She was attacked by a hawk last fall and survived. A week later she dissapeared. Lil Dude mourned for weeks; wouldn't crow, sulked by himself. At that time of year we couldn't find any replacements. Finally within the past month or so he has begun to make new friends, and has returned to his more or less happy self and resumed crowing.

 

[chicknmania]

Oh, also, you might want to keep them confined for a couple of days. We hate to do this, but sometimes it will discourage a hawk if it's food source dissapears. Our chickens have learned to stay inside themselves for a week or so after a hawk attack.

 

[JDH]

Thanks everyone. We've seen the hawk. A LARGE red-tail. I know they are territorial and it is nesting season. Wondering where her mate is.

The girls have been in since the attack. I only free range them when I'm out there with them watching over them. They stay close to me and I've noticed my mille fleur roo really watching the sky. My husband and I are now talking of making an enclosure for them to roam around in during the day when we are at work. I'll be looking at photos here for ideas. This is a man who didn't want chickens either. Funny how they grow on even those that weren't happy about getting them.

 

[gila_dog]

Sorry about your chicken. Seems like most people eventually learn the same lesson. Don't free range your chickens or you will eventually lose them to predators.

 

[HenHaven]

I know how you feel....I lost my Speckled Sussex pullet a few weeks ago to an unknown predator. She liked to roam and was on the neighbor's property when it happened. I just love the breed, and was lucky enough to get two of her hatch mates from Jordan, theoegbman, who was downsizing his flock.

It's funny, last year, I didn't even like speckled birds! Now I think they are absolutely beautiful, and each one is unique in its patterning.

It's interesting how the husbands come around eventually. My husband named the two new girls--Nelda and Zelda!