A struggle

A Sad Day

On July 19th we moved the 3 hens to our country home for their summer vacation. They have since been enjoying the exciting new selection of bugs and grasses – every day has been like a brand new buffet dinner for them.

Today, around mid-day we headed outside to give them some treats. We waited for them to sprint over, as is their usual routine. Only one came running. Very unusual. So, we went searching and found this evidence of a struggle. Upon further investigation we found both bodies – one decapitated and one with her neck broken. This was a risk we took when we decided to allow them to free-range. We aren’t sure what kind of predator did this, but we think it was probably a fox. We are going to reposition the Eglu closer to the house and keep a eye on the one remaining hen, Sally.

Even though the main and original purpose for owning the hens was for the eggs, we didn’t realize just how attached we had become. In the scheme of things, this is small compared to what a real farmer has to deal with day in and day out. There is an emotional side to farming and we have a new appreciation for the farmers who provide us with our food.

3 comments

  • Susan P says:

    My condolences. You gave your girls a real good life. I’m sure they are smiling down at you from chicken heaven.

  • Anonymous says:

    I remember as a young boy my father used to put the pullets out on range at about 10 weeks of age and he always had an electric light bulb burning by the shelter. For the first few days we would go and put the pullets in the shelter for night and close it up and go and let them out at dawn. That way they learned to the where abouts of there new surroundings.

  • Debbie says:

    Hi Just found your blog.
    I am considering getting chickens in the spring but I am lucky as I live in the country in Niagara area. How is the eglu for chickens. Good luck in your battle with C of TO

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