Tragedy in the Chicken Coop
Last night was not a good night for our poor chickens. We believe that a mink got into the coop. The two eggs that I had left in the nesting box were gone without a trace and one of our chickens was murdered. It is a sad day in our house. Even though we know that these chickens are animals and not "pets" we treat them with love and care. Of course the Mr. is out of town this week for work so I'm left to deal with the mess and the kids. We will all survive and until we come up with a good plan the chickens are going to be on lock down at night. I hate to fence in our chickens in a small area, but I'm not sure if letting them roam in our fenced in backyard/ravine is safe. We see a coyote on a weekly basis, hawks circle daily, raccoons live in the trees, and now minks have moved into the area as well. I hate to take their freedom and happiness away to save their lives but I'm not sure what else to do.
9 comments:
Hi, I'm a regular reader of your blog (check it daily). I just wanted to say hello and that I hope that your family is doing alright. Enjoy the summer! God Bless!
Thanks for checking on us! We are all alive and well. It's just been a crazy time at our house since I last posted. When we get back from the U.P. late next week I'm actually hoping to post an update on some of the things that we have been up to. It has been a busy start to summer at house.
My grandma lives in el Salvador and has a lot of chickens. She doesnt have any problems becasue she has other animals that keep others away like dogs and two geeze that are very wild to strangers.
Re: nature preying on chickens...YES! Last year all 6 of mine were murdered just as they were nearing the age for laying. What's worse is that the predator just ate their heads off and left the rest! It was awful! We've fortified our coop and I've since caught a raccoon and two possums (one with 7 babies in her pouch). I haven't seen any sign of predators (other than stray dogs) so hopefully my new 8 chickens (again, nearing laying age!) will survive! I keep my trap right in front of the coop's door!
I just googled what minks where. Their such cute critters. I guess I shouldnt be fooled by appearances. I hope your still doing alright. Even though i have no chickens, i do have outdoor fish, crows are nearby and try to eat my poor full grown fishies. It has happened. Its sad when they eat the fish thats been the longest with you.
Best regards.
Every time I check for updates I keep wondering if you're all right, if all's well with you and yours. Of course it's summer so that means fun with the kids so I hope you're enjoying your summer but indeed, your posts have been missed.
Every time I check for updates I keep wondering if you're all right, if all's well with you and yours. Of course it's summer so that means fun with the kids so I hope you're enjoying your summer but indeed, your posts have been missed.
~Darlin~
Hi Darlin!
Thanks for checking on us. We are doing good. This summer has been very crazy for us. A true mix of good, bad and busy. I'm hoping that things will be slow enough this weekend that I can do a catch up post and try to start posting a few more detailed catch up posts on our projects here in the near future.
My wife just got 21 hens and a rooster. This is going to be an adventure.
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