Foxy left my two speckled sussex on the ground, although did come back - evidence via a trail camera!

Helen

I am so sorry, I know how it feels and it is truly upsetting.

We used to keep chickens for many years, and although they were locked up at night they were free range during the day and we used to lose the occasional one. However, during the foot and mouth epidemic which stopped hunting, and because of other factors, the local fox population exploded and we lost every single one of 30 chickens over the course of two days. Days.........not night time.

We tried again a little later, but lost them all again. The foxes were hunting in packs, most unusual but they were unusual times........no hunting, no fields full of lambs and afterbirths, no people walking around the fields during the day etc. etc.

The thing is, if you are not inundated with foxes where you are, then don't give up just yet. Make sure that your new ladies are locked up at dusk every night and not let out until well past dawn.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I've been on looking at rescue chooks today and have a number to call tomorrow to hopefully take on some ex battery hens. I'd feel better doing that than going out and buying some new fancy breeds.

Pleased you are getting some more...best wishes and show us the pic's xx

Phoned up this morning and will be travelling to Derbyshire tomorrow to pick up 6 ex battery hens

So very sorry, it would be my worst nightmare for my girls I'm pleased you will get more girls though and ex batts are amazing - so much personality.

Awwwwwwwww so pleased for you, they will be happy chucks

Brilliant!

Helen

You can do all the security checks you like nothing is safe from a determined mr fox.

Sorry for your loss i know the feeling lost one of my Polands three days after moving into their new run though this was 7 years ago.

I've wanted some ex battery chickens for a while now, but was worried about the integrating with my other girls, as we didn't have anywhere else for temp accomodation. Obvs this isn't the way I would have chosen , but hopefully makes up somewhat for this horrible occurence.