I went out this morning to feed and water our chickens. We have 3 egg layers in their own area and 11 meat birds who I moved to their new premises yesterday. Perhaps I should say had 11 meat birds.
I've reared them since they were day olds, much like our egg layers, and although I've no sentimental attachment to them I have spent a lot of time, and money, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing. A fox, or foxes, chewed their way through the base of the coop overnight and this morning 6 were missing, 2 were dead in the coop and 3 were left looking pretty traumatised although apparently unhurt. I thought it was safe for them and fox-proof, shows how wrong you can be - again!
We used to have 4 egg layers but Gloria was taken early one morning by a fox who had pushed through the chicken wire at a weak point and got her. We heard the commotion and managed to get out quickly but by then it was too late for her and the fox had gone.
Live and let live is a fair motto but it is annoying when something happens that overnight produces what is, in effect, a lot of wasted effort. Brassicas that are stripped by various fauna are aggravating enough but somehow when you lose an animal it feels that much more personal.
The 3 survivors are back in the garage where I was 'bringing them on' and they now have plenty of room to mess around in. I need to rethink the outside area and strengthen it accordingly before the meat birds truly see the light of day again. Something for the weekend, sir!
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