It's been hard to face the reality that we have again been invaded by a chicken predator. Two weeks ago Dave went out to see a movie by himself and when he returned, he discovered that my favorite chicken was missing and his favorite chicken was injured.
My chicken was a small grey hen who laid the most adorable green eggs. She was mouthy, but very personable. She was bold and funny. She got along well with all the other chickens.
Dave's favorite is a large Buff Orpington chicken who is the most beautiful color of orange. She laid large dark brown eggs that I loved to use for baking. We affectionately named the chicken "Pirate" because the fox took one of her eyes. We nursed her back to health and have given her to our neighbor who is much more experienced in the care of chickens than we are.
We think it was a fox this time. I really don't like foxes right now.
The chickens were all terrified. Egg production has gone way down. I haven't had to buy any eggs for 8 months. Now I'm adding a dozen eggs to my grocery list this week. We still have 6 chickens and we're hoping they recover soon from their trauma.
We do have a pretty good record, it has been a year since the last senseless slaughter of chickens and our kids did not witness any of it this time. Those are two very good things. Hoping for a better future as we continue to "micro farm."
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