And now it's happened to me

[SarzWix]

Jez sends a big bear hug too xxx

[Sue]

Maureen
I was so sorry to hear about your loss, I wish I'd said something, the man at the bottom of my plot lost his hens from a fox lifting the lid of an external nest box.
best wishes
Sue

[Pumpkin Becki]

Oh Mo, how devastating...please don't blame yourself. Predators will find a way in, one way or another, and in times of desperation will even kill in broad daylight.

I'm so sad for you. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you to find them. Huge (((((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))) from me too.

PB xx

[lynda66]

wish i could get there biggest huuuuuggggggggggggggggggssssssssss ever auntie Mo xxxxx

[shirlthegirl43]

So sorry to read this Maureen. I know how devastating it is to make that discovery. Hope someone sorts out the culprit and hope that maybe your missing ones re-appear.

[MaureenHall]

Oh, Auntie Mo I am so so sorry. Crying for you as I type
You mustn't feel it's your fault, you did your utmost for the girls, and I'm sure they were the happiest chickens anywhere with you for a mum.
(((((Biggest hugs))))) I can muster for you.

I know a lot of people don't believe in killing the predators, but I'd be very tempted to organise a man with a gun to wait for it to come back

Thank you everybody. I'd love to get the animal that did that to my girls and a horrible fleeting thought came into my mind that I'd put down some poisoned food for it when it comes back - because it WILL come back to collect the ones it'd left behind. I promise you though, that's something I'd never do.

So sorry to hear about your chickens Maureen. If they were shut in the house and the only access in was via the nest box, then certainly a fox could get in, or indeed a mink. Foxes are feeding their young at this time of year so are extra hungry.
I'm so so sorry and glad at least the babies are safe.

Would mink eat the heads and take 3 away? There's 3 girls unaccounted for, 10 are in plastic feed sacks waiting for me to dispose of the little bodies. I don't know how or where to do that, the bin men don't come for another 2 weeks. I might have to dig a very large grave

[francesbean]

Maureen,it has been so lovely hearing about your chook journey. Im so sorry for you and the girls. Every morning I worry as we have foxes very close by, Im hoping my battery operated fencing deters them as I keep it on all the time. When I lost one of mine I dug a hole in the woods and covered her with a heavy stone so they wouldnt dig her up. Were all thinking of you.

francesbean

[OverWyreGrower]

Oh Mo! ((((HUG))))

I'm so sorry this has happened, what a horrible thing.

Regarding the bodies, could you ring a local vet and explain what's happened? They will probably charge for a cremation, but it's better than digging a mass grave?

[tiachica]

Oh maureen,

I have been reading your blog and following your chicks. I am so sorry at your loss! How awful!!!

[lainey lou]

Maureen, I feel so sad for you, I know how devastated I would be.
Lots of love and hugs to you. xxxxxxxx

[RedThorn]

Mrs RT called me to let me know... really sorry to hear. {{{BIG Hugs}}} Cannot even imagine how you're feeling right now. Thoughts with you

[bobleponge]

Gutted for you Auntie Mo. No consolation I know, but at least Basil and babies are safe, and also, having read your blog and on here, your girls had a fantastic life once they got to you, from having such a dreadful life before.
You cant blame yourself, as has been said, its now the rearing season, and the animals (probably a fox if its bitten their heads off) will find a way to get food.
Its an awful thing to happen, and I am so so sorry for you.

[di]

Maureen Hun...don't know what to say other than(((((((x))))))) & sorry!!!

[Seahorse]

I'm so sorry Mo Big {{{HUGS}}}

[JILLY JACKSON]

So So sorry to hear about this,its as if i knew them myself!Will be more vigilant with my own girls.Sounds like a fox to me.