About 3 weeks ago, Biggie had an accident. When coming down the ramp from the coop, he somehow got caught up in the netting that goes over the penned in area ( more on that crap set up in a minute)
I came outside to find Biggie Hanging upside down caught in the net!~ At first I was sure he was dead,, but as I walked closer, I saw that he was alive and well, but hurt...
I brought him into the house, to rest.. we ended up putting him in a giant screened topped rubbermaid, to rest for a couple days and see if he wouldnt recover.
Luckily Biggie did make a recovery! He started walking around pretty good.. Yesterday while they were free ranging I did notice that Biggie was laying down a lot, and that his limp had gotten worse. Now he is getting old too, so between that and his foot, I guess I would be laying down too... I knew he wasnt in primo condition, but we figured we would keep him with the hens in the front coop until he grew old and then would let him retire in the chicken tractor..
Well those plans all changed today :/ Meet the Hawk that killed My awesome Rooster Biggie..
This hawk was huge.. It somehow managed to get into the covered area ( this is where I tell you about that crap set up) The netting is tied together with strings, that are rotting and falling apart,,, to be honest, its not the greatest cover, and desperately needs replaced.. actually to my surprise half of the netting was completely undone , leaving a huge opening into the penned area....
Irony # 1
When I came outside, I noticed all the hens were in the coop, and Biggie was laying on the ground :(
Im guessing He couldnt get up the ramp fast enough because of his foot .. :( That and he was probably being the amazing rooster he was and protecting his girls....
When i walked outside, the hawk panicked ... he got in,, but could not get out..... I will leave the ending of that story untold.....A beautiful hawk indeed, but not when its feasting on my livestock....
Irony # 2
Today we woke up to 5 freshly hatched baby chicks.....I realize life and death are the cycle of life,, but I really didnt think I would experience so much life and death in one day........Bittersweet....
R.I.P Biggie Small
Until next time.............
The Cool Family
:'( RIP Biggie. When I was still living at my farm, I lost several of my hens over a two week period. It was heartwrenching. I'd sit there in the coop and cry every time I lost one. Never did figure out what was getting them. Could have been a number of critters, but whatever it was would just tear open the hens backs and leave them on the ground. Very difficult. My condolences.
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