Lorri-d Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 Feel horrible today, fox has taken our chickens We only had three and they were really part of the family, the two younger ones hadn't even come into lay yet. Am wracked with guilt as they weren't in a walk in run but had a penned of area in the garden. the children want to get some more but I dont think I could risk it without a walk in run this time as the fox will probably keep coming back now won't he? Garden is so quiet and depressing without them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddy paws Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 How very sad, How long ago did you get them? We collected our on thursday for the 1st time, am really worried this will happen to us as i dont want to let them out of the classic run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorri-d Posted May 28, 2011 Author Share Posted May 28, 2011 Only got them in February Does anyone have any type of plans for a walk in run? cant afford to buy one but could have a go at making one. Not going to risk it again, poor chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Tea Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 How awful Did the fox come during the day of did he manage to get into the coop? Unfortunately they aren't called cunning for nothing but I hope this won't put you off keeping chickens in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 Sorry to hear about your chickens. One of ours was taken recently and it is horrible. You can always have a look at the WIR threads for inspiration - there are lots of different ideas on there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorri-d Posted May 28, 2011 Author Share Posted May 28, 2011 (edited) The chickens were there at tea time and have been staying up quite late lately squarking for sweetcorn as they are a bit spoilt. My husband went out and shut the coop door just after it got dark and didnt check that they were inside (he normally does and they normally are) they werent in the run so he assumed they were inside the coop but the fox must have already been and gone! Only this morning did we realise that they weren't there Feel sooooo guilty! Edited May 29, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostock422 Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 it's a shame, not even laying yet More than likely it'll be back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnandkymberley Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 So so sorry to hear another fox attack, i think alot are happening as they are trying to feed there young, my cube is against a fence on one side with the skirt panel flush to the fence, not a chance could dig down, the back and front are concrete and the side is on the grass, i suppose the weak side, but skirt panels down with tent pegs, could you position your go like that to limit any more attacks? xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 What a shame, I'm so sorry . I think a walk in run is a good plan - you'll see mine in my signature link and as mentioned above, there are loads of ideas and photos in the Eglus, Cubes & Runs section . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Tea Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 It's amazing how bold they are - to come into your garden when presumably lights were on in the house etc. I think a walk-in sounds like a good idea ... and maybe a bright security lamp and motion sensor directed right at the run too ...... although your hens may never go to bed then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolateeclaire Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 So sorry. I couldnt afford a WIR but I got a local place to make me up some 6x4 ft mesh panels and I screwed these together and they also made me a door. I then used plastic corrigated sheets for the roof and to waterproof the sides. My base is a sort of hard core so I dont have to worry about anything digging its way in - although I am lukcy enough not to have any foxes around. Good luck with making a WIR and enjoy getting your next lot of hens. Claire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 So sorry to hear about your girls. I know it might not seem much of a consolation - but at least your girls had a happy free range life while they were with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 That is a shame. I would get a WIR. Unfortunately, the fox will be back, and at least that way, they would be safe. It will be worth the wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 So sorry to hear this sad news. Alli x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 So sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorri-d Posted May 30, 2011 Author Share Posted May 30, 2011 Thanks everyone, Feeling a little better but I couldn't bear looking out of the window at a sad chickenless garden so we have just bought 3 more. They are staying safely in their omlet run now though until my walk in run is built on Friday. Such a shame that they can't free range but not taking any chances this time and they have plenty of room for a few days whilst they get used to each other. There are so many tent pegs and paving slabs on the run that if any fox can get in I'll be amazed, we have now named the coop fort knox! We have given a very sweet 2yr old blue bantam orp a home, she's such a poppet and the breeder gave her to us for free presumably because of her age. We also bought home a little black one and silver birchin to keep her company. My son has already named her bluebell and she has put the others firmly in their place already. The other two weve named Dorothy and Meridith. They are getting used to their new surroundings and have just tasted sweetcorn for the first time Onwards and upwards eh? Miss Zelda and gang loads but have learnt a very sad hard lesson and won't be repeating it! Thanks again guys xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 Your first lot will always be precious but these new ones sound gorgeous and soon have a smashing run Are Dorothy and Meredith baby orps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorri-d Posted May 30, 2011 Author Share Posted May 30, 2011 They were rather lovely Dorothy and Meredith are 9 months old so not babies but very pretty. Once we get our walk in run built I may add a couple more - if I'm allowed of course Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathybc Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 sorry to hear about your girls x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
