I have only ever lost two birds to predators; one a huge roo a few years ago to a mink - nasty bugger, and one a few weeks ago to a fox - that unfortunately was one of my meat bird project breeding roos, such a bummer. I chased the fox down and got the roo back but later had to put him down due to injuries. His last batch of eggs are in the incubator now.
Well . . . the fox returned last night and ol' Smokey Joe (my big red meat bird roo) stepped up to the plate to sound the alarm and take on the fox . . .
He sounded the alarm well and Mr. Chicken Dad (my wonderful husband) hit the ground running, straight out of the bedroom and across the property, naked, with a loaded double barrel shotgun (I LOVE this man). Mrs. Chicken Mom (me) quickly donned fox chasing clothes and took off around the shops the other way, loudly yelling "don't shoot me".
Now Mr. Smarty Pants Fox couldn't think or run so fast with fat ol' Smokey Joe given him the what for all the way and he lost his grip on the double back. Mr. Fox escaped but ol' Smokey Joe got carried back to his doting and greatful wives. He was a little embarassed this morning when he tried to crow and it came out a squeak, but his girls assured him the size of the crow doesn't matter; and they laid double yolkers for Mr. Chicken Dad who's feet are a little sore.
Well . . . the fox returned last night and ol' Smokey Joe (my big red meat bird roo) stepped up to the plate to sound the alarm and take on the fox . . .
He sounded the alarm well and Mr. Chicken Dad (my wonderful husband) hit the ground running, straight out of the bedroom and across the property, naked, with a loaded double barrel shotgun (I LOVE this man). Mrs. Chicken Mom (me) quickly donned fox chasing clothes and took off around the shops the other way, loudly yelling "don't shoot me".
Now Mr. Smarty Pants Fox couldn't think or run so fast with fat ol' Smokey Joe given him the what for all the way and he lost his grip on the double back. Mr. Fox escaped but ol' Smokey Joe got carried back to his doting and greatful wives. He was a little embarassed this morning when he tried to crow and it came out a squeak, but his girls assured him the size of the crow doesn't matter; and they laid double yolkers for Mr. Chicken Dad who's feet are a little sore.
