Hi Everyone:
Well, now I know for sure it was a raccoon.
Why....I locked up the surviving newbie in the small coop. I blocked the door with a very, very heavy paver and several bricks. I mean this paver was a like a boulder.
I locked the the "queen" in the big coop with another paver.
I was sure both would be fine. However, to my horror the critter got into the small coop and ravaged the newbie, "Thelma." I can't tell you how I screamed and cried out of frustration. My only solution is it had to be a raccoon. They are strong and have the agility to tip something back.
I'm beyond devastated. These girls are my pets...names, live a long time and my companions.
The remaining girl, Cloe is about 8. It was clear she was depressed. All alone. She let me pick her up which she NEVER would do before. She sat under a bush...just sat. I knew she would wither away from depression and isolation. I was fortunate enough that a very, very dear Friend who has 5 chickens readily and eagerly took her in. She immediately got her old personality back and just jumped right in. She bumped chests with their queen and Chloe didn't back down. She stood her ground and soon they were peaceful. I cried again with relief.
It's clear I need to majorly reinforce my chicken yard even more.
I put out a trap, but frankly, with all the "food" gone, it really doesn't matter. Lots of new construction before I risk this.
I feel I failed to keep them safe and I really must do a better job. It has been 12 years since I a coon attack, but everything has changed. Things have been happening that had before. I really must pay attention and do a better job.
Even two days later, I'm a slobbering mess. Every time I go outside it's a reminder of the savagery. They didn't deserve this and it's my fault.
Well, now I know for sure it was a raccoon.
Why....I locked up the surviving newbie in the small coop. I blocked the door with a very, very heavy paver and several bricks. I mean this paver was a like a boulder.
I locked the the "queen" in the big coop with another paver.
I was sure both would be fine. However, to my horror the critter got into the small coop and ravaged the newbie, "Thelma." I can't tell you how I screamed and cried out of frustration. My only solution is it had to be a raccoon. They are strong and have the agility to tip something back.
I'm beyond devastated. These girls are my pets...names, live a long time and my companions.
The remaining girl, Cloe is about 8. It was clear she was depressed. All alone. She let me pick her up which she NEVER would do before. She sat under a bush...just sat. I knew she would wither away from depression and isolation. I was fortunate enough that a very, very dear Friend who has 5 chickens readily and eagerly took her in. She immediately got her old personality back and just jumped right in. She bumped chests with their queen and Chloe didn't back down. She stood her ground and soon they were peaceful. I cried again with relief.
It's clear I need to majorly reinforce my chicken yard even more.
I put out a trap, but frankly, with all the "food" gone, it really doesn't matter. Lots of new construction before I risk this.
I feel I failed to keep them safe and I really must do a better job. It has been 12 years since I a coon attack, but everything has changed. Things have been happening that had before. I really must pay attention and do a better job.
Even two days later, I'm a slobbering mess. Every time I go outside it's a reminder of the savagery. They didn't deserve this and it's my fault.
