Lone Ranger

Ben got taken by a fox this morning after only 6 days with the flock.  As I was letting the chickens out just after 10am, I heard a commotion down near the dam, Shorty ran down to investigate the alarm call, but came back up and didn’t seem riled up, so I carried on collecting firewood.  I heard another squawk and flurry, and when I went down the path, I saw some feathers on the ground and little Billie left on her own with the big birds.  It looks like Ben tried to take cover by hiding under the low branches, but got taken.  Hopefully Billie learned a useful lesson.

She looked like a lost little soul trailing along behind the other bigger birds, especially when the heavy rain came just after 11.30 and they all rushed for cover.  I hope she is a girl and that she survives the next couple of weeks.   Strangely, I feel happier that a fox took Ben rather than having the rest of the flock picking on her and driving away like they did with two of the Young Ones, at least it was a quick death.