Monday, June 11, 2007
Woe is me
Well friends I have lost them all. My heart aches! My precious chickens are gone. We spent several hours and a few (ok A lot) of dollars trying to make our chicken run and hen house sound. 
We failed!! Something still got in and took the lives of all but two hens. It was bad enough I was down to 8 from 38 but to loose all but two now., I just can't stand it.
I went down to feed them this morning only to find a feather filled grave yard. Inside the hen house lay 6 of my hens, headless and without life. I was so angry I screamed at the top of my lungs! Then the investigation began. I walked around the chicken yard EEEekkkk and look what I found.. 
I found one spot where we went more then 12 inches between staples. Grr the little theif found it too! He even left feathers behind. That explained how IT got into the yard, but how on earth did it get into the hen house.????? Well, we continued to investigate and ggggrrrrrr.... 
look what we found! A 12 inch hole where we forgot to sew the netting together and right there under an opening in the rafters. Geessshhh !!! I am so angry with myself. Yes it is an honest booboo but ohhh if you knew how hard we tried to be careful not to leave a hole big enough for anything to get in or out!!!
Then we saw where IT was carrying them off in the woods to finish IT's meal. We also saw BOBCAT Tracks!! Yup we're sure that was the culprit. Now to catch HIM in the act and take care of him! I am calling the animal warden for the area and asking if there is anyway they can help us trap it and move it somewhere else or whatever they would do with him. I just don't want him HERE. I want chickens, I want farm fresh homegrown eggs and I want to hear the crow of a rooster in the morning. Ohh 
!!
Lord bless our efforts and grant us mercy and grace. Do I purchase more chickens or do I try .... say, A LLAMA!!!?
Blessings to all those who have chickens and no BOBCATS!!
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Monday, June 11, 2007 - Oh no!
Posted by stitchnchick
Cindy~ I just feel sick for you. What a gruesome discovery...you poor dear! When you described their state (missing heads) I immediately thought "raccoon." I wasn't even considering bobcats. We have those around here as well. In fact, there was a woman in our neighborhood that was allowing (encouraging) them to breed in her barn. It did not please most of the neighbors around here with chickens and sheep. I'm so so sorry that this happened to you. I love my chickens dearly, so I can imagine the heartbreak. I hope you'll be able to get some new chicks soon...
Amy
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - Chickens!!!!!!!
Posted by maa
Oh, I am sorry about your chickens.
Belle~homesteadgirls
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Mickey
We went through the same type of thing. It's heartbreaking!
The carnage sounds like a raccoon! We had to set a trap and we caught and killed three. I posted some info here:
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/silvan/50998/
The bobcat may have been getting a free meal courtesy of the raccoons!
"Lion and bobcat kills are often dragged some distance from the point of attack and partially or completely covered with twigs, dirt, and leaves."
Either way, it's so upsetting! I am so sorry!
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Mickey
We used a trap like these:
http://www.havahart.com/nuisance/cagetrap_quickguide.asp
We bought the biggest one we could afford at the feed store (or hardware store). I've been amazed at how often we've needed to use it....
My husband shot the raccoon(s) IN the trap since they are really vicious! And he used a shovel to bury it without touching it (because of disease)...
He camouflaged it with small limbs and pine needles and baited it. You can use a cheap can of wet dog food or eggs or even a chicken carcass. Ours has a bait box (separate) where we put our favorite banty since she's so small (and was safe).
I hope you catch it soon! =)
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by southernbelle
Oh I feel so bad for you and your poor chickens. I'm so sorry you had to wake up to that this morning. Don't blame yourselves. It sounds like the varmit was determined enough to get in any way he had to. I think we will need to go down and check our pen a bit more closely!
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by findingcontentment
How awful! We just got our first chickens a few months ago and I can't imagine this happening to them!
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by meme21713
You have bobcats, I have minks...They get in and eat the insides of the hens and leave the bodies there..I hate it...I am down to a rooster and 2 laying hens and one chick about 3 months old...Hope you get your problems solved soon....Debbie
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - Wow....
Posted by Jonash2004
I'm so sorry. That's terrible that you've lost all of your chickens . .... I hope you catch what is responsible.
Ashley
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