update

[cathytheel]

received a request for an up date. My mini flock is no more. Coyotes killed some through a gap in gate. Replacements were sickly and then the rats came ugh. My husband lost his battle to cancer a month ago. I may restart a flock but not sure yet.

 

[ksbkeys]

received a request for an up date. My mini flock is no more. Coyotes killed some through a gap in gate. Replacements were sickly and then the rats came ugh. My husband lost his battle to cancer a month ago. I may restart a flock but not sure yet.

So sorry about the loss of your husband! Perhaps just doing what is the least stressful for you at this time, is best.

 

[janiedoe]

received a request for an up date. My mini flock is no more. Coyotes killed some through a gap in gate. Replacements were sickly and then the rats came ugh. My husband lost his battle to cancer a month ago. I may restart a flock but not sure yet.

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, and of course for your flock. Whatever you decide, I hope it will bring you peace.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome back to BYC!

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, my heart goes out to you. ❤

 

[muddy75]

Welcome back to BYC! So sorry for your loss

 

[LTAY1946]

Hello and welcome back to BYC. Sorry you lost your husband and chickens.

 

[N F C]

You've had a rough time of it, hope things get better soon.

 

[Boppo]

received a request for an up date. My mini flock is no more. Coyotes killed some through a gap in gate. Replacements were sickly and then the rats came ugh. My husband lost his battle to cancer a month ago. I may restart a flock but not sure yet.

Oh, I am so sorry for ALL your losses. That is so hard!

Rats ARE AWFUL, and hard to get rid of. It helped a lot when I cleaned up all the spilled food and arranged feeding so the birds didn't spill so much. First I went with mash for the birds, then switched to a no spill feeder. To make mash, you just put some water in with the feed. If you keep it around a bit, it grows some good micro-organisms, though some don't like the smell.

If you decide to go back and try chickens again, Here are a few articles that might help

Predator protection for new & existing coops

Electric fence

BYC Lists of Chicken Ailments and Cures

Selecting Healthy chicks

 

[DobieLover]

I'm sorry for the loss of your husband and you flock. Take some time fire yourself to start recovering. You have a long road to travel.

 

[sourland]

Sorry for your loss. Good luck in reestablishing your flock.