Yes, they are beautiful and yes, they are protected but if I had had a gun I would have shot one just now.
Stole another baby.
Mr. Moon actually chased it through the woods and across the tracks. He tried. No way, though.
Flopsy is so upset, the other, last, remaining baby is traumatized. We've got them shut up now. Barn door after the bull escapes, etc.
I know the hawk was just hungry. I know a baby chicken must be the tastiest of treats. I know.
Such a fucked-up feeling day.
OOOO NOOOOOOO..... Not another chick... Glad you took them inside now Ms Moon... Who would have thought that the captor would come back for more?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. I feel awful. Poor Flopsy and the babies.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. I know first hand what a sick feeling is in the pit of your stomach right now, having experienced it myself. Yeah, yeah, it's nature and all, but it doesn't make it any easier. Within three days, a very hungry fox took my Earl, Rita, then Dame Edna, who were senior citizen chickens left by the previous owners of this farm. (They felt they wouldn't have survived the long trailer ride to the new farm.). I felt so very guilty and stupid because they were outside, but they had always free ranged - who was I to confine them to a coop in their golden years? After all, they were meant to free range and scavenge. Damn that fox for taking advantage of the elderly! And your defenseless little babies! Since my horrific experience , I have changed up how we keep our chickens around here (presently 11ladies) but I still worry so about their safety, despite the fencing, and the coops, and the head counts at intervals throughout the day, and me feeling neurotic about " leaving" them should I need to leave the farm for more than a few hours. I have become one of those people! Anyway, how do you comfort a chicken mama? If you know how, please pass it on to Flopsy for me. And sending some comfort to you, too, Ms. Moon.Repagu
ReplyDeleteI do not know how the hell Ms.Moon.Repage got written, but perhaps the time has come when posting can only occur when I am wearing my reading glasses. That is, when I can find them.
ReplyDeleteOh Jesus. They were on my head.
Still, my best to you and Flopsy!
Oh, how awful. I'm so sorry -- how jittery and unmooring. I wish you could go with me right now to see Moonrise Kingdom. That's what I'm doing today and it's going to right my world.
ReplyDeleteOh poor chicks and poor Flopsy and poor Ms & Mr Moon. Very traumatizing. Wish there was a way to hug a chicken cuz I think they all need some hugs. Dammit.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry....
ReplyDeleteAh, shit :(
ReplyDeleteI used to work at a ranch in the wilderness. I hate losing animals. Even the guys are subdued by it. It's unsettling, especially when they're snatched up suddenly in teeth or talons. (We have hawks, eagles, wolves, cougars, bobcats, coyotes, etc)
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can wrist rocket those hawks. Round kibble is a good projectile.
I commented earlier and it looks like it disappeared. The short version of what I said is: I am so sorry. Those chicks were loved. I send you a hug.
ReplyDeleteAw. That sucks. I'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteThat's awful, really unsettling.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry x
Can't say i blame you, especially since i once had to bottle raise kittens whose mama had been caught by a hawk.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies are all with you and Flopsy.
Oh, all of you- what can I say? We let them range free and we knew there were hawks and owls and who-knows-what?
ReplyDeleteNature is fucking cruel. And yet, we feel so guilty. We should have done this, we shouldn't have done that.
Well.
They are chickens. And yes, we love them in a way.
But.
Thank you all and maybe we have learned something today. Not to let hens set on eggs? Not to let them free-range?
Hell. I don't know.
But thank-you. All of you.
We go on and so does Flopsy. And so far, her one remaining baby.
Damn. Just damn.
ReplyDeleteP.S. one of my verification words was "daughter."