Lets see how many chooks we have.......

[shirlthegirl43]

Really sorry to hear it Shirl. What a horrible start to the day Presume it was Mr Fox?

I don't think so. No sign of prints or fur, no upset feeder, no claw marks no chicken bodies. There are feathers but only from two birds - and then only a handful of each - no tail or wing feathers. No blood. a few feathers outside the run but no trail like you would usually find if they were carried off after damage. It looks like someone opened the door, bagged the birds and left some feathers as a decoy.

[RichmondHens]

Blimey, what are you going to do? Alert the Police?

[shirlthegirl43]

I don't really think they will be bothered by the loss of 8 chooks from a garden do you?

[Suechooks]

I've reported mine twice after they were stolen. No result but makes everyone aware. When mine went there was no sign of feathers at all just cut locks and a garden fork bent out of shape forcing the shed door open. I now have alarmed padlocks - pretty useless in one way as I'm a mile away but should give the b@$*@£^s a fright! Might be worth the investment for you if they're in your garden. About £12 on fleabay.
When my allotment neighbours Silkies disappeared there were just a few feathers at the gate - we assumed it was a predator rather than a thief. At this time of year the foxes are feeding cubs so would be more likely to come back to collect rather than leave them for later.

[shirlthegirl43]

I've reported mine twice after they were stolen. No result but makes everyone aware. When mine went there was no sign of feathers at all just cut locks and a garden fork bent out of shape forcing the shed door open. I now have alarmed padlocks - pretty useless in one way as I'm a mile away but should give the b@$*@£^s a fright! Might be worth the investment for you if they're in your garden. About £12 on fleabay.
When my allotment neighbours Silkies disappeared there were just a few feathers at the gate - we assumed it was a predator rather than a thief. At this time of year the foxes are feeding cubs so would be more likely to come back to collect rather than leave them for later.

BUt would the fox kill 8 hens without disturbing the bedding and only leaving feathers from 2 hens?

[polo]

Shirl - so sorry - what awful news (and G4, good old age)

RIng the police Shirl if you think they were stolen. The police may know of similar problems in the area and therefore patrol more - they may even find them.

So sorry x

[Glutton4...]

I would definitely notify the Police Shirl. The reason some crime statistics are down, is only because people don't bother to report some crimes, as they know nothing will be done!

Anyone wants to pinch mine - they've got 2 Roos to contend with, and 3 noisy Geese! I'm not far away, and I BITE!

[shirlthegirl43]

I'm only 100 feet from mine. I sleep with earplugs in or else I don't get to sleep also it was pouring rain and we have a flat roof - so I heard not a thing. Will call in at the cop shop again tomorrow - there was nobody there when I visited today.

[petal]

scumbags. Hope you get to log this with the police. I'm hoping my electric fencing would give someone a very unpleasant shock in the night. Our labrador tends to alert me to the movement of a leaf in the night too.

[Erbitrude]

Shirl, i'm so sorry to hear that your chooks were stolen
I hope you do log it with the police.

I'm going to trawl back to see what the count last was because i have my 4 to add to it now

2336!

[Glutton4...]

Another Battie expired in the night. Sleep well, and thank you for all your lovely eggs.

2335

[jessmorris]

2335 + 13 gorgeous mixed wyandottes banties = 2348.

[Suechooks]

Sally the ex-batt gone to meet her maker.
= 2347

[shirlthegirl43]

Delighted to boost the count again - 2347 + 6 Highlines (Warrens to me) from a free range egg supplier with the most delightful setup = 2353

[Suechooks]

Lovely to have some girls back I bet!