Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Rhona R]

Hi, hope everyone's had a good Christmas.

 

We left out chickens out in their walk in run yesterday whilst we visited on Boxing Day, got back extremely late at night, too dark to see anything. This morning, we found all chickens gone, the feathers of two everywhere (five hens), but no blood and like I say - just two types of feather. A panel was hanging off the run, so pretty obvious that something got in.

 

Our garden is small, not too many hiding places, so if any girls escaped, I don't think they're hiding out. I remember a fox attack as a child and there was blood everywhere…I find this a bit baffling, but possible, I guess.

 

What are the chances of some of our much-loved pets having scattered and being okay? Could a fox have got them all? Our three little kiddies are very sad, but I'm relieved there's no bloodbath for them to see.

 

Sorry if I'm asking the obvious, it's just upsetting, and I'm clutching at straws I guess.

[mullethunter]

Oh no how awful. I'm really sorry to hear this and even worse at this time of year.

 

I guess it's possible that some of the girls escaped and are in someone else's garden but I'm afraid I think it's unlikely.

 

Is it an Omlet run?

[Olly]

Really sorry to hear it - it happens, especially a this time of year when we're out visiting and preoccupied with other things. If the fox has enough time it will remove all the hens, often they get interrupted and can't come back for them. It's possible that one or more are hiding somewhere, but I'm afraid it's quite possible they've all gone.

[PickleHen]

I am sorry to hear this.

 

Perhaps it is worth letting the neighbours know so they can check their gardens as well. Maybe leave them some food to leave out to coax them out!

 

I hope some are out there hiding and very glad there was not too much visible carnage to have to hide from the kids. Whatever got in obviously was a serious mission!

[Blackrocksrock]

Not good at all - I hope some of them escaped - its awful especially for the kids.

[Purplemaniacs]

Sorry to hear about your chickens. Hope you find some hiding somewhere.

 

Chrissie

[Mars]

Sorry to hear that Rhona R

It is very common scenario, when we go away the fox senses there is no humans around and takes the opportunity.

We learn from such experience, next time be sure that your coop and run are fox proof, not fox resistant

[Mars]

Watch this video of a fox trying to get the chickens

[Luvachicken]

Sorry to hear about what has happened.

Fingers crossed some survived and you find them.

[Cat tails]

Watch this video of a fox trying to get the chickens

 

Why would she want to watch that? She already lost her birds and I think she is feeling bad enough about it already.

[Mars]

Watch this video of a fox trying to get the chickens

 

Why would she want to watch that? She already lost her birds and I think she is feeling bad enough about it already.

That helps to prepare against future attacks.

[Rhona R]

Thanks all. I really do appreciate your comments. I've visited a few neighbours gardens, but no sign. Two carcasses have turned up though… Apparently another neighbour lost their chickens last night too.

 

I feel so guilty for not protecting them. I'm pretty tearful about losing them. How attached we get, eh?

 

It is a brand new Omlet walk-in run. It looks like the fox jumped on the top and one of the narrow side panels came off. The clips didn't do their job really. We might try to find something to secure the rest, as the plan is to get some new hens in a week or so.

 

Thanks again guys.

[mullethunter]

I'm glad you're going to get some more. I could lose my girls in exactly the same way. They're in an Omlet WIR - we saw a fox in the garden last week - and I'd assumed they were completely safe, but your experience shows otherwise so thank you for sharing.

 

I'm going to add cable ties to all the panel joins.

 

Try not to feel too bad - you thought they were safe, you weren't being negligent. I'm sure the new girls will fare better because of your experience.

[Mars]

the plan is to get some new hens in a week or so.

This is a good plan

Good luck