So... this year was my entry into raising chickens from chicks, partially for myself, and partially to sell.
Recently, I did my last inventory and came up five birds short. My initial concern was theft by someone who was aware of my flock and I had sent driving instructions to, so I promptly locked the coop.
Today, however, I went out to get my two roosters who are going to a new home, and found one missing, as well as one of my barred rocks. More missing chickens!
I am going to do an exhaustive search of the property today and look for holes in the fence, signs of remains, etc. But for right now, I have a mystery on my hands. There are no signs of chicken carnage. We do have large hawks in the area and owls, but I can't imagine one swooping in and grabbing pullets without leaving some sort of evidence.
The only chicken injury was one hen who had her eye pecked out. I assumed the other chickens did this, but I am leaving open the possibility that another animal initiated that injury, and as chickens are prone to do, the others pecked on her after the fact.
The top of the chicken run is not covered, but the fences are 7-10 feet tall and the mesh is buried at the base. These facts, plus the lack of obvious carnage makes me believe that a mammal is not getting in and doing this.
Any eggsperts out there want to shed some light on this fowl play?
Recently, I did my last inventory and came up five birds short. My initial concern was theft by someone who was aware of my flock and I had sent driving instructions to, so I promptly locked the coop.
Today, however, I went out to get my two roosters who are going to a new home, and found one missing, as well as one of my barred rocks. More missing chickens!
I am going to do an exhaustive search of the property today and look for holes in the fence, signs of remains, etc. But for right now, I have a mystery on my hands. There are no signs of chicken carnage. We do have large hawks in the area and owls, but I can't imagine one swooping in and grabbing pullets without leaving some sort of evidence.
The only chicken injury was one hen who had her eye pecked out. I assumed the other chickens did this, but I am leaving open the possibility that another animal initiated that injury, and as chickens are prone to do, the others pecked on her after the fact.
The top of the chicken run is not covered, but the fences are 7-10 feet tall and the mesh is buried at the base. These facts, plus the lack of obvious carnage makes me believe that a mammal is not getting in and doing this.
Any eggsperts out there want to shed some light on this fowl play?
