Friday, September 11, 2009

Sad news! Don't worry the bees are fine...

Not bee-related at all, but it is with sadness I have to announce that our 2 hens were brutally "murdered" yesterday.
Unfortunately, and not for the first time, the perpetrator of this crime is not unknown to us.  His identitiy was revealed when I called him for dinner and he jumped back over the wall of the yard which had been previously reinforced (and tested) with additional height after previous misdemeanours).  Very bold dog!!!!!
When we originally got him, he had been abandoned in the site compound where I was working. He was dangerously underweight and riddled with nasties but we brought him home so as to give him a chance. With a visit to the vets, lots of TLC and time to recuperate he recovered to his current healthy self.   Too healthy really as he seems to have Olympic abilities when it comes to jumping!  Looking at him, you'd swear that butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. A perfect angel in other respects.
I don't know what to do because there is little more satisfying than fresh eggs but clearly Freddie (as he was christened) and foul are completely incompatible despite ever-increasing security.  Do I build a separate coop but risked it being broken into?  A hen-type version of Alcatraz in the backyard doesn't seem that appealing.  There seems to be limited benefit in keeping your own hens if they have to live under maximum security for their own protection.  Our other dog, a collie sheep dog type, had lived with the hens and ducks perfectly happily before Freddie's arrival.   [May they rest in peace also] With her natural herding nature, the hens and ducks would be driven around the garden and gobble all of those pesky slugs etc.  The absolutely perfect organic pest control system. Alas no more!
Fortunately the bees aren't nearly as troublesome... 

5 comments:

Lynn said...

Interesting post. We are considering adding chickens and goats in the spring. However, we live in an area with a big population of coyotes and barred owls and goats and/or chickens would have to be confined for their safety. Neither would last long here if not protected.

I've considered chickens to help control my slug/snail problem. I'm thinking about using chicken tractors in the garden. Lots to ponder during the winter months.

Kat said...

We had a dog (Chow, but not Bama) that killed about 12 chickens. It looked like a war zone when we came home to it. The dog had to go. But he ended up in a good home with no chickens. The last time I had chickens, there were 5 and they disappeared one at a time. I finally caught the culprit catching the very last one. It was a chicken hawk, very beautiful and illegal to kill. I have not had those fresh brown eggs since.
We are planning on having them again with a very secure chicken coop upon hubby retiring.

PhilipH said...

That's a very sad story Barbara. It's difficult for you to know what to do for the best.

Not a very nice way for your rescued hound to repay you for your kindness. I hope you find a way to replace your chickens in a safe place.

PhilipH said...

Oops - I am so sorry, I should have written Cliff, not Barbara. I am getting my bee-names muddled yet again! Old age - sorry.

Pia said...

How long have you had your rescue dog? We kept our hens in a secure run for about 2 months and walked Poppy (our dog) around it each day and rewarded her when she didnt bark or lunge at the hens. It did take ages but they are fine together now but maybe this is because she has a strong herding rather than killer instinct?
Another possibility might be to get bantams as they are fiercer and might peck the dog back? Good luck! Bees are definitely easier!! Pia