DebC Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 We have been away for a month. The plan for our 4 girls was that they would go to stay with my brother - he has 10 chickens, 5 ducks and an assortment of other animals. He has a quarantine run that he uses when necessary and with the addition of a free ranging area it was ideal. We couldn't get the cube to his, but for a few weeks we thought it would be OK The girls settled in well and he was very impressed with their laying (well apart from Tallulah who has never obliged!) Unfortunately last thursday, just before we were due home at the weekend (didn't make it home until yesterday - but that's another story!) foxes attacked and killed all four in the early hours of the morning. . My brother thinks that there were two foxes from the noise that he heard. They also had a go at his flock, but couldn't get in. All that was left was a trail of feathers. At least they didn't kill them for fun, which I have heard of them doing! My brother feels awful particularly as his girls all survived. He's increased security on his run. In fact, we all feel bad. We have a lot of "what if?" questions, but who was to know - he had made it as secure as possible, and he's never had the foxes suceed in all the years he's kept chickens and ducks. So we came home from holiday to no girls and no cat, (our cat died in February). It was truely horrid. Very sad We had planned that when we got home we would get some more chickens anyway - so we're off to get a whole new flock this weekend (thinking positively at least we won't have trouble with introductions!) I'm thinking 6-8 new girls - depending on how tempting they are when we get there! and we're also looking for a couple of kittens! That should keep us busy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 I'm so sorry, what an awful thing to come home to Your poor brother as well, that's the last thing you want to happen to someopne else's animals when they are in your care, he must feel awful. But it's good that you are thinking positively, enjoy shopping for your new flock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gelbel Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 I am so sorry to hear this. I know from personal experience how utterly horrid a fox attack is - especially when it was totally beyond your control. And your poor brother must feel absolutely awful - no doubt more upset than you. But it is good that you are looking forward and planning to give some other chooks a loving home - share their pictures when you get them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 So sorry, and I bet your brother feels terrible. It happens though, and it could happen to any of us. Enjoy your new girls, glad you feel able to get some more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 I'm so sorry, how awful for you and your brother. It must have been such a shock for you all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 It sounds as though your family have had a really rough time of it. I think you are right to try and be positive and it seems as though your cat had a very long life. New chickens and kittens are always something to look forward to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 So sorry to hear the tragic news. I feel for you all. However, its good you can move on and I hope the new girls help you get over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
