pbfhpunk Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 Gutted, Fighter and not ninja were got by a fox. I saw fighter being got and everytime I close my eyes it's all I can see. We now have 3 in a cube, they're ok this morning seemed to have calmed down. My husband and I agreed that if a fox did get them then we'd accept it as part of nature and not dwell on it too much (which is really hard). I know it seems quick to move on but I think it's for the best, can we introduce 3 to them as then it's equal numbers on either side? Helen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 Sorry to hear about that. Assuming there's nothing realistic you can do against future foxiness, I think you're right to introduce three more whenever you want. Much better IMHO for hens to live a good life with space etc and bear the risk of fox attack - it's jsut getting a balance between risk of fox /freedom for hens, isn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 Sorry for your loss. It sounds traumatic to actually witness the attack. I think thinking about some new girls will be exactly what you need to help you get over the trauma. I agree with chickenanne. Its a balance between their risk and their freedom. Hope you are okay soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 So sorry to hear about your girls Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 Cyber hugs to you - I can only imagine the awfulness to witness such an event. But they are happier free-ranging...really and truly. You can get hubby to wee around the garden, use a Foxwatch. (or two) ..but there will even then be a small risk. There is also a product called Scoot and also Silent Roar - they will all make the fox realise that your garden is not a welcome place for them to be. I would wait a little while until you reintroduce...simply because they may be stressed by the fox attack. But the ratio good (much better than when I added 1 to 2 - oh my goodness!) Again, my thoughts are with you...it is nature but nature is also very cruel in its way........ Take care and never blame yourself...look how much love you are giving those girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I'm really sorry to hear about your girls and that you had to witness it. I'm with what some of the others have said about taking a calculated risk re. free ranging....my girls free range all day every day (although I am at home most days) and I've never seen a fox. If we're unlucky one day and a fox visits then I would be devastated but at least I'd know they'd had a very happy life here. I think you are right to introduce new hens, but as Hellhathnofury, if the other girls witnessed the attack them may still be in shock (and may even associate any new girls with what they saw?) Good luck whatever you decide to do....big hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 Sorry to hear the news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 so sorry to hear this. we lost 2 in one week - the first to a visiting Labrador, and 6 days later a fox took the other one about 10am... ours had previously freeranged all day everyday, but we then decided to get an electric fence, which so far has worked a treat against both the dog and the fox. and they dont seem to mind the smaller area (its 12sq metres compared to the whole garden/field). maybe you could think about one if you have space? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootscooter Nell Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 So very sorry to hear about your poor girls. I am terrified that a fox will get my girls but I still let them free range when I'm in. I would suggest that you get some more before the cold weather sets in because 3 chooks in a cube could get a bit chilly with all that spare space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 So sorry to hear about your girls . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 Sorry to hear about your girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 I know how you feel, having lost a hen to a fox a year ago. Sadly, it's that time of year when foxes are especially looking for an easy meal. *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
