Having a mini-farm can be heart rendering. Some months ago, a neighbor’s dog killed 2 of my chickens and my rooster. I was sick, sick, sick!
And then, after replacing my chicks and rooster, one of my hens died in the night. I went outside in the morning to let them out of the hen’s coop and one did not show. I knew something was wrong. There was no reason for the death that I could tell. Again, I was sick by the loss!
Following that incident and in growing my flock, I purchased 4 Black Orpington hens and again, during the night there was a loss. Something, I think a raccoon reached in and grabbed one of the babies inside the cage. I think because the baby was interested in the noise by the predator, it went towards it and lost it’s life. I spent the next couple of days securing even greater my hen area for the safety of the flock. Since that time, there has been no evidence of a predator so the security measures have worked.
To secure my birds, I have 3 runs and two hen houses that close every evening after they nest and open in the morning after sun rise. I do all I can to secure them and take pains to be careful of temperatures and nesting areas.
Yesterday, Olivia’s eye would not open. I immediately looked up the symptom and have taken precautions to ensure her safety and quick recovery of what could be a sickness coming on.
Life is full of heartbreak. While there is great joy raising these animals and they have such wonderful days in their open runs (with closed tops to protect them from flying predators) there are also days of worry and concern. If you’re going through a hard time, you’re not by yourself.
On the one hand- pleasure. On the other, concern. Life is full of ups and downs. We must take the good with the bad and do all we can to balance our lives knowing that tomorrow the sun will come out.
I’ll keep you updated on how Olivia fares.
Josie