ZoeBunny Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 ... and killed all but one of my girls! I'm heartbroken. My own fault. I ALWAYS shut them up at night but totally forgot last night - bad day with a 2.5yr old & 3mth old. Woke up to a garden covered in blood and feathers... just awful. So grateful to still have my little Genie left, she's come out of it relatively unscathed just a bit ruffled. Need advice on how long she'll be ok on her own as don't want to rush out and get more only for Mr Fox to come straight back, if you know what I mean, but don't want her to suffer. What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 I'm so sorry. Mr Fox will come back at anytime and guess you need to make it secure before replacing the girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 I agree. Your lone girl will be fine on her own for a short while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeBunny Posted March 21, 2012 Author Share Posted March 21, 2012 I'm so sorry. Mr Fox will come back at anytime and guess you need to make it secure before replacing the girls. Totally secure... just me being stupid yesterday leaving run door & cube door open last night Learnt my lesson the hard way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 You're only human, don't be too hard on yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Chooky Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Oh you poor thing *hug* As Plum said, don't be too hard on yourself...sounds like you had a tiring day with the kids which is never easy, so it's no wonder it slipped your mind. It must have been a terrible shock Hope you're ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 So sorry to hear about your chooks. As others have said don't be too hard on yourself we all make mistakes especialy when we have other things to deal with, such as little ones to care for. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eve Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 i feel for you i did the same just before xmas my bo was3 and a 4mth old my 13yr step son should have shut them in, but shut them out!!so was left with feathers only. went last month and got some more ladies, im so on the ball now i check hubby checks and so far havent forgot.its hard with young children but my boy who is 4 now loves them and getting the egss every day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crankycookie Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Oh no, that's awful, I'm so sorry. The same thing happened to me with a raccoon one evening, but now I am much more diligent about tucking the girls away every night. I also found it helpful to put a "close up the girls" reminder on my phone every evening just in case. If you feel your setup is secure, I'd give your remaining girl a couple of days to recover from her ordeal and then get her a few young pullets to keep her company. I waited a month to get new pullets (while I was building a chicken fortress) and my remaining hen was very sweet and clingy when she was alone, but definitely perked up when she had new company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzieLloyd Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 I'm so sorry There but for the grace of God for me. I've been distracted by decorating and rushed out into the garden in the dark expecting carnage. Thankfully I was very fortunate. Don't beat yourself up as we all make mistakes *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 Sorry to hear about your loss. Although it's horrible, it *is* just one of those things. It's not like you did it deliberately. Hope you feel able to get some more to keep Genie company soon (although she'll be fine for a short while). Hens are flock animals and do much better with company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 So sorry to hear what has happened to your girls. Big hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkichick Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 oh thats so awful, i'm so sorry for the loss of your girls. I'm sure you'll be making everything doubley, tripley secure now!! This has made me go and have a look at my own fox defences, there are some holes which i will be repairing on saturday!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 Ditto everyone else and dont blame yourself - little uns are hard work. Hugs Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeBunny Posted March 23, 2012 Author Share Posted March 23, 2012 Thanks everyone for your lovely messages, means a lot. I knew you'd all understand how upset I was. Genie isn't doing so well. Physically she's fine but she keeps cowering in the corner of the cube when no one else is in the garden, but when I go out to see her she's desperate for my attention even to the point of flying up into my arms (she never liked being held before). She's still eating, drinking & laying so maybe she's just traumatised or lonely ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Poor Genie, think she's telling you she needs a friend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Poor Genie, think she's telling you she needs a friend or perhaps 3 Sorry to read about your girls. Sending you hugs xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Chooky Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Poor Genie, think she's telling you she needs a friend I think so too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindafw Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 We have a forgotten at some time...those of us who have excaped Mr Fox have done more by luck than judgement. Go out and get you lovely girl some friends..she doesn't like it on her own without a flock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubababe Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 ((hugs)) My garden is pretty secure but I know if Mr Fox wants my girls he'll have a go. I'll be much more happier when I've built my WIR. As everyone else has said it was just unfortunate & sadly part of nature. We have quite a good fox control around where I live due to it being farmland. (Farmers with shotguns!!) Genie would love some more friend...go on...you know you want too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
