Vale chickens

Left the chicken coop door open one night too many - came out this morning to find a cage full of feathers (assume it was a fox) 

The family is very sad.  I suppose we're all due to learn some harsh lessons along the way.

So sorry to hear about your loss  maybe you could look into those DIY automatic doors.

I like the idea I read about once, don't know how he did it, but the guy took the motor from his son's remote controlled car and rigged it to the door.  Then he stood at the window inside his house and using the controller closes and opens the door.  I love it!

Over time, keeping chickens will teach you about the hunting habits of every predator in your locale. 

Eventually, you will resort to building something that keeps *all* of them out, but you will have many tears along the way as you discover that you have small ones that can squeeze through tiny gaps, and ones with magic feet that can climb walls, and ones that fly or jump over fences, and the dreaded two legged sort that can open any door... 

We've also learned to not keep all our chickens in one poultry house, just in case. 

Burra Maluca wrote:
Over time, keeping chickens will teach you about the hunting habits of every predator in your locale. 

Eventually, you will resort to building something that keeps *all* of them out, but you will have many tears along the way as you discover that you have small ones that can squeeze through tiny gaps, and ones with magic feet that can climb walls, and ones that fly or jump over fences, and the dreaded two legged sort that can open any door... 

We've also learned to not keep all our chickens in one poultry house, just in case. 

Sadly this is the case for most folks ... for those that think not, 'long run the fox'

Cheers

My brother is working on a timer activated motorised door.  I'm going to put some ammunition together for my .223 and make a fox trap.

I'm not planning on learning this lesson twice.

Something a bit more positive: two calves born today, both up and about

good news re the calves ... and so the cycle turns yet again! if only we could settle into a frame of mind and living where we could enjoy those wonderful adventures more ....

It was joyous to watch them frolicking around their mothers.  I tried not to think about their ultimate destiny as dinner; it didn't seem appropriate.

I had heard from a neighbour (a real skills-to-pay-the-bills farmer) that foxes can actually kill calves by eating their tongues during their first day or two.  I swear, if that happens, I am going on Clint-Eastwood-in-Unforgiven style rampage on the local fox population.  I am actually tempted to buy a shotgun expressly for that purpose.  I have always hated foxes.  Now, it's personal.

Thanks for sharing your story Phil, and your Clint Eastwood side 

You go get 'em!