Farm Journal, Intruders

RIP

Longfellow

&

Shelby

 One chicken gone, one dead - stuck in the fence... this is what I woke up to one morning this week while Dan was out of town for a couple days

 So, after freaking out just a bit, I gathered up my trusty helper, Truly,and we borrowed a couple traps.  We put cat food in one, untangled the dead chicken and put it in the other and set to securing the coup with a few more nails.  The chickens, in general, exhilarate Truly.  She acts tough until one looks at her and she runs.

 Another 'little' intruder we encountered this week.  Over 4 ft long... I think this is a chicken snake?

Found this guy inches from Ali as she was about to check for eggs.  He is harmless, but I wasn't at ease until all three kids were behind me.  I heard I could put golf balls in the nests for them to eat and it would eventually kill them since they can't digest it.  Might be worth a try.

 Next morning, double success... raccoon in one trap and possum in the other.  She had babies in her pouch. 

Ben kept the coon's tail.  He wanted me to make a Davy Crockett hat, but we just nailed it to the coup.  The remaining chickens are safe and I have a bit more chicken farmer confidence as I feel like I have defended and protected our flock.