The following is a post from my private blog, Homeschool Bug Returns.
This afternoon, I went upstairs to take a much needed shower. I turned on the water and looked out the window. I noticed some movement near the back fence of the chicken coop. I knew it wasn't a chicken, but judging by the activity of the other hens, I had a feeling it wasn't good. So, I ran down to the deck for a better look.
It was a hawk - picking at a hen. The other hens were pacing the opposite side fence squawking loudly. I ran back into the house for the only gun I knew was loaded. After slipping on Guitar Hero's boots, I ran back outside and slowly crept behind the large oak between the deck and the hawk.
I moved to the side of the tree slowly and noticed the hawk looking up to determine what was going on. I truly had hoped my first shot would have killed the dumb thing, but it didn't. It frightened him away. I walked to the coop and went in. I heard Toyota run down the hill toward the coop. I told him it was one of the Dominiques. I told him to open the coop up and let the other hens in. Then I took a few more steps toward the feathery mess on the ground.
That's when I was surprised to see the hen get up and walk slowly toward the coop. It couldn't walk very far. It stopped. She was missing feathers from her neck and she was bleeding all over. I was mad. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know if I should kill her or try to nurse her back to health.
Jewel came down the hill to the coop. I was talking about how I didn't think I could kill the hen. She said she would. But, then a fight ensued because Toyota felt he was entitled to do it, being the first outside. I said I would do it.
I watched her for a bit longer and realized there really was no hope for her. She was struggling to keep her head up and her eyes open. I tried twice to kill her, but missed. My aim was too high. I finally asked one of the kids to cover my ears. I took aim lower than usual, closed my eyes and fired. I had killed her.
I turned around disgusted that I had to kill my hen before it was time. I was mad that I hadn't killed the hawk. I vowed to use the shotgun next time - and I wouldn't miss.
I know that hawk will be back. So will I.
Oh. It's so sad to lose one. I know yours are for meat too, right? So I'm sure it's frustrating to lose a food source to a hawk too. It will probably be back since it got food the first time. Keep an eye out! And if your hens are laying they may stop for a while due to stress.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, they weren't laying yet. I put them in the coop and closed it up to make sure they felt secure. Yes, they were eventually for meat. Interesting point, originally, the two dominiques were to be used for meat at 18 weeks. We decided later to hang on to them for eggs. Now, we need to find out if the white one is a rooster or not. If so, we will hold off on buying a few more hens.
DeleteI'm so sorry. You're right. Use the shotgun next time and blow that thing to bits.
ReplyDeleteOnly problem - It is illegal to kill or harm any bird of prey.
DeleteHey Rachel. We lost our first hen back in the early winter to a red hawk. I was highly irritated. Then it attacked the other hens the day after but, luckily, my husband was outside and chased it off. We had no luck in trying to kill the hawk as it had flown off. But for a long time we watched out for it and I kept the hens in the chicken run (which is covered with chicken wire on the top.) Unfortunately, this is all a part of owning animals. That doesn't make it any less annoying though, does it? Thanks for commenting on my blog, by the way.
ReplyDeleteAmber, thanks for stopping by. It is annoying to lose a hen. The wheels have been turning trying to find ways to protect our little gals. We have a few things we plan to do. The problem with the hawk: we can't kill him. He's protected by law.
Deletei am sorry.one of my hens were attacked(actually killed) by my neighbour's stupid, freaking dog.i hate that dog....
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. There is a beagle that continuously roams our property as well as other people's. I don't know where he lives, but so far he hasn't shown much interest in my hens. It seems every time we run to get the pellet gun, he's gone. He's dumb dog, too.
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