Update: Finally after setting the trap all week we caught a coon. I'm not sure if it is the same one that killed Mimi Monday night but we did finally get him. Unfortunately even if he tests negative I think we still have to finish up the rabies shots, but at least it's one less predator threatening the chicks. Now I just have to keep my resolve and call animal control to dispatch him.
I went out to close up everyone for the night and was FIVE seconds too late. A coon was coming out of the banties coop and as I was screaming at it, it grabbed Mimi an 18 week old mille. I screamed and beat the fence, he dropped her but the damage was done.
As he was trying to get out of the run I was screaming at him and beating him with my hands. I know, not very smart and it didn't inflict any damage. I'm such a pacifist when it comes to any living creature and have wondered if I had what it takes to protect my girls and take out a predator. After I chased him out I ran to the house and hollered for hubby to get the gun. By now he was already gone (living in the barn we just found out today). Hubby is sitting out there right now waiting. I just saw him come out of the barn to go hunting again. I want to put the bullet in his head. I have never felt so blood-thirsty. For chriminy sake I save bees - how can I feel so murderous.
I know this is part of owning birds, but I feel so angry and guilty and sick and sad. Sorry to rant but I know so many of you have gone through the same thing. This was my first predator loss and it happened right under my nose, literally.
Luckily hubby was here to dispatch Mimi. She was so badly mangled from such a quick attack. She didn't deserve this.
RIP my pretty little girl.
I went out to close up everyone for the night and was FIVE seconds too late. A coon was coming out of the banties coop and as I was screaming at it, it grabbed Mimi an 18 week old mille. I screamed and beat the fence, he dropped her but the damage was done.
As he was trying to get out of the run I was screaming at him and beating him with my hands. I know, not very smart and it didn't inflict any damage. I'm such a pacifist when it comes to any living creature and have wondered if I had what it takes to protect my girls and take out a predator. After I chased him out I ran to the house and hollered for hubby to get the gun. By now he was already gone (living in the barn we just found out today). Hubby is sitting out there right now waiting. I just saw him come out of the barn to go hunting again. I want to put the bullet in his head. I have never felt so blood-thirsty. For chriminy sake I save bees - how can I feel so murderous.
I know this is part of owning birds, but I feel so angry and guilty and sick and sad. Sorry to rant but I know so many of you have gone through the same thing. This was my first predator loss and it happened right under my nose, literally.
Luckily hubby was here to dispatch Mimi. She was so badly mangled from such a quick attack. She didn't deserve this.
RIP my pretty little girl.
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