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Post by Shrubrose on Dec 16, 2007 19:27:15 GMT
I'm sure some of you will know that I had three hens, Queenie, Vicky and Littlun. As of Friday, I now only have two. We lost Queenie to a fox, we think.  We're very careful about shutting them up for the night and they're such good girls because they take themselves to bed with no prompting. I often wake up in the night thinking 'OMG, have I shut the hens up?'. However, whilst they were about their business in broad daylight, Queenie was nabbed. I found some feathers on Saturday and so know the route the fox took. It was nowhere near the hen house. I know it's nature and as such, things must take their course but she was a gentle and chatty hen and I shall miss her.  |
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Post by Tig on Dec 16, 2007 19:35:25 GMT
Isn't it upsetting  - only chickens maybe - but once you have given them names and know their quirky little traits they become family. At least the fox didn't kill them all Shrub - one year my Dad lost a whole pen full and the worst thing was half were just killed and left! You will need to be watchful, easy meal when it is cold! x Tig |
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Post by Weeterrier on Dec 16, 2007 19:59:37 GMT
Shrub I'll bet you felt as if you'd been kicked in the stomach. Nature as you say, but upsetting. Poor wee Queenie. |
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Post by prodigal gardener on Dec 16, 2007 20:06:36 GMT
Ahh Shame  |
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Post by Ruthie on Dec 16, 2007 20:31:13 GMT
Sorry to hear that Shrub. My only experience of keeping Chickens was when I was about 4 years old. We had some chickens and I used to collect the eggs (don't remember ever dropping any) and Dad used to kill one for the pot every now and then. I remember one day some dogs came and killed loads of the chickens. I can remember the Police coming round and I was disappointed because they had flat hats on and not helmets! I did cry quite a bit for the lost chickens tho'. I know it's not the same but I do feel for you! |
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Post by 4pygmies on Dec 16, 2007 20:50:26 GMT
I sympathise Shrubrose - my favourite hen, Beryl, was taken by a hen in bright sunshine in my garden one day about 4 years ago - and we were about too.....it was horrible, all we found was a few of her feathers in the orchard. Like you I missed her chat and personality, and still do I'm afraid....she was a real character. I hope the rest are OK.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2007 21:05:55 GMT
Aw, sorry shrub |
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Post by chickadeedeedee on Dec 17, 2007 0:01:43 GMT
Oh! I'm so sorry. |
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Post by JennyWrenn on Dec 17, 2007 7:02:43 GMT
Oh Shrub how dreadful am so so sorry |
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Post by purplejulia on Dec 17, 2007 8:15:17 GMT
Shrub, just read your news. Sorry you lost your hen Queenie. Sad news for your just before Christmas, So sorry for you and your family and the other two hens. PJ |
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Post by Shrubrose on Dec 17, 2007 8:18:32 GMT
Thanks folks. I imagine that her ending was quick and hope she didn't suffer. She had a good life here and that's some comfort but like 4P, I'll miss her. |
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Post by Chuckles on Dec 17, 2007 8:22:36 GMT
Oh Shrub how sad, I'm so sorry to hear about Queenie
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Post by Dutchy on Dec 17, 2007 8:52:11 GMT
Poor Queenie. Nature is not nice, it is what it is.
Keep an eye out for your other chucks. A hungry fox in the area is a danger to all smaller creatures.
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Post by carolann on Dec 17, 2007 10:07:17 GMT
Sorry to here about Queenie, I would be devastated if a fox took any of mine. We have a fox at the moment hanging around, OH has seem it at night when he goes to pick up our daughter from work but touch wood we have not seen it through the day. We know he is about because a Canada Goose hit the Pylon wires and landed in the field dead at the side of the paddock where the chucks are, next morning it was gone only a few feathers to show it was ever there. Most of the time my chucks are around where the dogs lives, scratting in the muck trailer. Hope your other chucks are OK Shrub they will be missing her.
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Post by thecleaninglady on Dec 17, 2007 10:47:15 GMT
So sorry to hear about your hen Shrub. Hope the other two keep safe. xx
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Post by nightowl on Dec 17, 2007 12:02:18 GMT
Sorry to hear about Queenie, Shrub You'd better take good care with the other 2 now Foxy knows they are there.  Now you're down to 2, will you get some new ones?  |
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Post by owdboggy on Dec 17, 2007 14:35:00 GMT
This is the trouble with poultry keeping, hens have only a short ish life span. This week we have lost the oldest of our bantams (Attilla) and the last remaining call duck, both to the ravages of time I hasten to add.
We have lost ones to foxes at various times. Worst of all was the mink though, which got in and killed all our quail.
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Post by Shrubrose on Dec 17, 2007 16:43:20 GMT
Again thanks for your sympathies folks. I am really uneasy about letting the girls out but we're about for most of this week so I'll keep my eyes open.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2007 19:06:13 GMT
So sorry to hear about Queenie, Shrub - all the best ...
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Post by Missredhead on Dec 17, 2007 21:26:24 GMT
I'm so sorry to hear about Queenie...  xxx |
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