Luck Ends
Our surprising run of luck with keeping our latest eight free-range chickens in the wilds of rural Wisconsin farm country ended yesterday in a very similar fashion to our first attempt a couple of years earlier. In the waning hours of daylight, when Cyndie went out to close the chicken door on the coop, there were only three hens on the roost.
A cursory survey of the surroundings turned up one body and one pile of feathers. No other clues were found.
Some predator or predators had a good meal last night. It, or they, made off with four gorgeous hens.
It was a real joy while it lasted. Unfortunately, it is not joyous at all when lives come to an end. The cycles of natural life can be harsh.
The unwelcome drama made for a pretty crummy end to an otherwise rainy, gloomy day.
And then there were three…
.
.
Relative Something 
Really sorry to read this, John. They seemed to avoid danger for so long,
Ward Bell
April 30, 2020 at 8:50 pm
Thanks, Ward. Yes, they eventually led us to a false sense of security with their surprising delay of the inevitable as true free-rangers.
johnwhays
April 30, 2020 at 10:31 pm
Sorry to hear this. 😔
Liz Shatek
April 30, 2020 at 8:23 am
Thanks, Liz. Undaunted, despite the intense grief, Cyndie is purchasing new chicks…
johnwhays
April 30, 2020 at 12:33 pm