Beauty-Box Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 It happened the week before last, but only managed to post about it now. It was early evening and we heard a big commotion in the garden. We ran out to see a large fox jumping over our six foot fence. Trixie was caught in the omlet netting and Dee was dead under the holly tree, but there was no sign of Sadie. There were so many feathers everywhere! Fortunately Trixie was fine and I put her in a cat carrier in the kitchen. I heard the fox jump over the fence again and Dee's body was gone. When we went out the next day we saw the Dee's body in the middle of our neighbours back garden, so hubby went and got her. To my amazment though Sadie ran out from behind the recycling bin, Bless her she must have been hiding there all night. I feel so guilty and keep thinking about poor Dee and how terrified she must have been during her last moments of life. The other chickens are still shook up I think. They are not laying and have gone off their food. I almost feel like I've let them down. They have already been through so much being ex-battery hens. There has been no sign of the fox since and I make sure the chooks are locked in as soon as they go in the eglu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I'm so sorry What an awful experience for you... xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Oh no. I am sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 What a horrible experience . I'm so sorry . Thank goodness Trixie and Sadie are safe but I'm so sorry about poor little Dee . Don't blame yourself - it's not your fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 So sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Sad news about Dee Hope Trixie and Sadie are ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westleigh Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 just wanted to say that i feel for you all best wishes xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 So sorry to hear that - I'm sure that Trixie and Sadie will gradually improve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Poor Dee - hope you and your others girls are ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flowerangelk8x Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 oh, poor you! thats dreadful, but, its really not your fault! nature is sometimes very cruel... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 I'm so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 3 D's Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Very sorry to hear about dee hope the others are getting on fine. I wouldnt blame yourself though, its not your fault Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Must be mad Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 I am so sorry. Try not to blame yourself - it is not your fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Oh I am so sorry but please don't beat yourself up about it. I lost three from their coop at night time when my mum failed to secure the door and left the pop hole open. The fox must have come and picked them off one at a time as they slept. Chooks, gorgeous and characterful as they are, are pretty thick and foxes are swift in killing them. She might have been alarmed but I doubt she suffered. It's a horrible thing but better some free range and normality than being caged up all the time. I hope the others will be OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellekatz Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Rebecca - so sorry to hear your awful news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathyschix Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 So sorry to hear about your girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 so sorry to hear about Dee how upsetting for you. What a clever little girl Sadie is for hiding though, bless her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzy Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Am sorry to hear about your loss. I agree, they are not blessed with huge brains so hopefully she would not have been frightened, and it would have been quick. The bit I thought was lovely was that Sadie came out when she saw you! Look at it that you've given Dee a taste of life as it should have been and that every day she didn't go straight from her battery pen to a can of pet food was a complete bonus. Give them a cuddle from me (mine won't let me give them cuddles, only their dad!!!) Suzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helly Welly Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear this Rebecca but don't beat yourself up about it. As someone else said, nature can be cruel. Sadie is certainly a clever girl. I'm sure they'll start laying and eating properly soon, give them a bit of fuss and amybe add some chicken wire to the top of the fence. I think the wobblyness of the chicken wire will put off the fox. And get OH to wee in a bottle, then spray it around the edge of the garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 So sorry to hear about Dee , I hope your other girls make a full recovery soon. At least foxes kill quickly, she had a better death than in a factory. And she had a lovely retirement with you before it was her time to go. xxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beauty-Box Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share Posted February 24, 2009 Thank you so much for all your kind words. I can't describe how much of a help it's been. We are lucky that we still have Sadie and Trixie and I'm sure over time they will be back to their usual cheeky selves. Thanks again, you lot really are great. X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellekatz Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Rebecca, can I cheer you up even more by telling you that "devil" chicken Chloe is still alive and sometimes laying, with my neighbour next door and is one of 3 now. A happy ending for her and she seems to have finally grown up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackiepoppies Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 So so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beauty-Box Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 Rebecca, can I cheer you up even more by telling you that "devil" chicken Chloe is still alive and sometimes laying, with my neighbour next door and is one of 3 now. A happy ending for her and she seems to have finally grown up Wow! That is good news! She certainly was a devil. I'm glad she is ok and has a couple of friends. Thanks Jayne, that has cheered me up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
