I want to take a minute to acknowledge my brave rooster, Henny Penny who fought to the death on Thursday night, bravely trying to protect his girls. Henny Penny seems an odd name for a rooster, but he was purchased as a young 'pullet' before transforming into a magnificent rooster. Most people would expect a refund or a trade back, but as he only cost $5 we decided we could always eat him. In 2 years, foxes never dared enter the house yard, or approach the coop but it appears I relyed a little too heavily on my husbands work dogs for protection who had been absent for 3 nights. Got to hand it to foxes, they are very paitent and they think things through. The only evidence of attack is my poor rooster scattered for metres. Hen, chick, and mumma duck were MIA. I was left with one duck hiding beneath my window, injured wing. How did I not hear a sound? Safely located remaining duck into dog box, as it would seem the gate on coop was not as secure as it would seem, busted open for the massacre. My husband returns that morning. We fix gate. We search for any suvivors who may have fled. My husband goes out shooting that night and gets 12 foxes within 3km of the house. Mainly young ones venturing out on their own for first time. Dispite being in the middle of drought, their numbers have exploded. It makes me sick knowing there were so many out there, not only with my flock but our lambing ewes. My muscovy is safe for now, and seems very relaxed now the dogs have returned, but she's clearly lonely. As we carry out upgrades, I would love to read up on how to reintroduce new friends, so if you have any favourite articles let me know.
Sorry for the rambling. But you guys are the only ones who get the hurt.
Sorry for the rambling. But you guys are the only ones who get the hurt.
we’ve had our fair share of foxes in the coop too sadly. Hope you are able to grow your flock easily again!
