[dalesman]

I came home from shopping this afternoon and went up to check on girls and get the las egg of the day.

As it was raining I assumed they were in the coup, but felt it odd that they did not come out to great me as normal. Hubby was with me thank goodness, and at first I thought they had been stolen ( daft I know). Hubby walked down run and could see by the look on his face that he had found them. Two lay dead amongst feathers, and on further hunting the third was found outside run in hedge. I allways assumed the garden was pretty secure as it has wire netting all around and hedging. The girls were kept in a ark at night which was shut, but had freedom to run around in a fruit cage during the day.
So, have they been got by a fox, evidence had shown that something had several attempts at tunnelling under the wire.

I am absolutely distraught. I know some people think they are only chickens, but i truly loved those girls. I have only had chooks for a couple of months but always tried to do my best for them.  As I have MS they gave me a purpose to go and care for them, even on the hardest of days for me. Does it get easier? I wont be getting anymore straight away, will wait until New Year, but I will be building a fortress around the next lot. :cry:

[Foxy]

Oh what a sad post, I am so sorry. They are not just chickens to me either and I love to watch their antics and personalties with a nice cup of tea in the garden!
Dont give up though! Ask for lots advice and everyone here will be more than happy to give you loads of help.
Lots of cyber hugs here!
Katherine x

[Vember]

:cry:  Sending Huge HUGs from me too  :cry:

Agree with everything Foxy say's I can happily spend an hour just watching my birds, they are pets.

Also like Foxy says when the time comes for building the fortress give us a shout we'll help all we can

Take Care

Sarah x

[agapanthus]

You must be devastated.....I'm so sorry. Goes to prove how wiley the fox can be.....but it makes me so angry when they leave most of what they kill   Please don't get too down about it....look forward to when you get your new birds ....big hugs from me too!!xx

[Ice]

Sorry to hear about your chickens, that's an awful thing to have happened.  Can you post a photo of the coop?  The chicken keepers on here can then advise how to make it fox proof.

[kezlou]

Oh thats awful. That happened with one of my cats an urban fox caught it and  killed it.

Hopefully your new chickens will be safe from harms.
Just keep in mind they had a good life with you and your OH.

cyber hugs from all of us.

Kerry

[nnbreeder]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. No they are not just chickens, after a time they truely do steal your heart.

[Paddywack]

So sorry to hear about your loss and in such a way,

I’m glad you won’t give up and let that fox beat you, when you’re ready for more girls let us know and we will help to build a fortress with you,

BIG HUGS

[SnooziSuzi]

what an awful thing to find  :cry:

I think that, as with keeping any animal, it does get easier as time goes by, and you will find that once you have your next lot they will keep you so amused and happy that you'll soon get over your loss.

We're here if you need a lot of shoulders to cry on  :cry:

[Aunt Sally]

Oh that's horrific.  You have my sympathy :cry:

There are loads of people here who, when you are ready, will advise you on how to keep the foxes out of the run  :evil:

[Jo-n-Neil]

Aww so sorry. Mine are pets too and they have helped me a lot through some rough times. Sending big hugs and an ear to bend if you need me.

Jo xx

[Oliveview]

What a terrible thing to happen, doesn´t life stink at times.
Pamela

[mickwood]

I feel for ya! I lost one of mine when she got sick, lots of help from folks on here - they'll help ya with ideas on keeping foxy out!! I was gutted...in a male, macho kinda way...obviously  
Hang on in there!! XXX

[compostqueen]

Oh dear, I'm very sorry to hear about your girls, so upsetting as you do get so attached to them. They're so endearing and lovely  

[yorkshirerose]

Sorry to hear about your girls - they are part of the family.