Watery Excrement Since Summer-Last Resort Before Culling

[Wyorp Rock]

There's no sign of either hen in our three acre yard. Not even a place where an "abduction" could have occurred, that I could find anyway. We are surrounded by woods, but I've searched the perimeter of the property back into the woods a bit and again found nothing.

Yesterday morning, I heard a hawk at the corner of our property in the woods a bit. I'd wager that if I found the nest, I'd probably find remains nearby. Sybil was taken at night, so I doubt a hawk got her, or do they hunt at night? But Anna was taken in broad daylight so my money there is on the nasty hawk.

I'm sorry you haven't found them

I would think since you have found no traces, it was probably Fox or Coyote. An adult laying hen is much to large and heavy for a Hawk to carry off.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

taken in broad daylight so my money there is on the nasty hawk.

Yes, hawks hunt in daylight (not at night that I know of).... but just because they NEED to eat doesn't make them nasty. I feel your frustration and have had a hawk or hawks harassing my flock (or at least me since my flock is too short of attention span to care he's there for very long).

Great horned owls also hunt during the day time. But there are other owl who hunt at night also.

While I don't appreciate it when my birds are on the menu... I am thankful for all the rodents and other things that the hawks DO help keep in check. We just have to be careful not to open up an unnatural buffet.

The few abductions I have had... were all during the daytime and NOT one left any signs except the missing chick. I KNOW it was an aerial predator... as that is just about the only thing that can past my dogs and fences in broad daylight.

Again, sorry for your loss. I hope your flock gets settled down and back into enjoyment mode quickly.

 

[Backyard Bruce]

I'm sorry you've lost two birds now and I can give you no useful advice but I just want to say...I am soooooo glad I am not your husband right now, I guess he's never heard the phrase "happy wife, happy Life"

 

[MrsAuberry00]

I'm sorry you've lost two birds now and I can give you no useful advice but I just want to say...I am soooooo glad I am not your husband right now, I guess he's never heard the phrase "happy wife, happy Life"

His life was waaaay less than happy for a while, but he's been very good about doing extra poop patrol now that the girls aren't allowed out of the coop and run. I guess he knows he's in deep sh*t so he might as well scoop it.