What could have killed my pullets?

[Abriana]

Haha thank you guys. This was my first losses from my chickens and it really struck hard. I loved these girls more than words can express. Thank you for helping me get over the loss and remember the good times I had with them.

We are here for you!

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

So sorry...
(((HUGS)))

 

[The Golden Egg5]

@Abriana
Sorry, it won't let me add a comment on my profile page. SF stands for salmon Favorolle.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Sorry for your loss, are you in the more populated area of Boone or can you dispatch the fox?

 

[Abriana]

@Abriana
Sorry, it won't let me add a comment on my profile page. SF stands for salmon Favorolle.

I was guessing that! Thanks!

 

[The Golden Egg5]

I am outside of Boone about 20-25 minutes. I could in theory kill the fox, but I doubt it would help much because there are quite a few foxes in the area. I also don't think I could stomach it. I might be better off just keeping the birds in their run unless I can keep a close eye on them all.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

The most important thing is that you do what you feel is in the best interest of you and your's. Good luck and I am truely sorry you had to go through this.

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

I am outside of Boone about 20-25 minutes. I could in theory kill the fox, but I doubt it would help much because there are quite a few foxes in the area. I also don't think I could stomach it. I might be better off just keeping the birds in their run unless I can keep a close eye on them all.

I have accepted that I can't tolerate the risk associated with free-ranging in my area.
One neighbor down the road is fine with occasional losses. I am not.
I have six girls---started with seven and lost one at eight weeks from who knows what. It was far more devastating than I would have predicted. Having raised the little runt from the age of two days I was very attached to that little sweetheart.
Such is life, I guess.
But no, there will be no free-ranging in a place that is loaded with foxes, coyotes, raccoons, weasels, mink, hawks, owls, loose-running dogs (who are bird-hunters), and feral cats. My girls would no doubt enjoy free-ranging but they will have to go with what their hopelessly paranoid human mother hen prescribes for them.

 

[CapricornFarm]

We had predator problems in TN. If you get rid of one, another shows up. sorry for your loss.

 

[The Golden Egg5]

haha! Yes, these guys have a way of wrapping their scaley toes around your heart. I *had* 35 little guys, but after getting rid of cockerels and now having these two ladies killed, I'm down to 29. The one good thing that comes from losing chickens, is that it gives you an excuse to get more