Yesterday morning I found a small barn swallow chick sitting on the floor of the milking parlour. I carefully replaced it in the nest and they were still all together last night.
Some sad news though. On our walk last night, as we passed into the wilder area right down the back, I came across a pile of feathers that could only be from Carlos Garcia. When I saw the teal blue in amongst the pile my head just dropped. Shocked I turned the dogs and the pig around and walked back home to get John. After putting Tima to bed for safety’s sake, we searched everywhere. No sign of a body at all.
I herded Godot into the Peacock Penthouse with the Hens and locked them up. It is hard to raise free range birds out here now. Every last chicken in the barn Across The Way has disappeared too. I know a local dog got a few of them but most went missing while IN the barn.
I know it was not Boo, he is under lock and key and my eye. And frankly he would not take a body away to eat it. We have a new predator. A very quiet one. And big. I have heard of minks taking down peacocks but they were caged. I don’t know. 
The field chickens are ok though. So far so good anyway. I left both dogs out last night. They bark on and off. All my big chooks are free range now.
Sometimes life is a bit tough. But that is one of the risks of farming here. There are wild animals around us.
But today will be better.
I hope you have a better day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
52 responses to “Barn Swallows”
How sad! Life goes on, but more guardedly, and that’s sad, too!
That’s very sad – I hope you find the killer soon.
Oh, so very sorry.
I’m so sorry, miss c. Poor Carlos Garcia. And damn the predators, even if it is the way of nature.
So sorry to hear this. I know how we felt just a week or so ago when we found the fawn, so, am trying to imagine how tragic this is for you on so many levels.I hope you find the culprit soon and that no other attacks occur – may this be a far better day and night.
That is a though one, I hope you catch the culprit soon.
Have you considered a guardian dog? I have friend who has one with his chickens (they’ll guard anything if you get them started right) and we love, love, love having Hank here. He guards our sheep and chickens and, while super sweet and kind, is security for us as well. No one messes with his family!
C. I was about to ask the same thing. You need a guardian dog – they are used in many places. Bouviers de Flanders are one breed (we had one and I can testify to their gentleness with small things and how fiercely protect their own. They were breed to kill wolves attacking flocks…they don’t hunt them, they sit and wait for them to show up and take care of it before going back to sleep with the sheep. ) Great Pyr. are another. Here’s a link to a local farmy similar to yours who uses such guard dogs to watch over their chickens and livestock. They had a predator and hawk problem – I’m sure she would be glad to answer any questions.
http://www.crazykfarm.com/CrazyKFarm.html
Are there any tracks?
Take care.
I HATE it when this kind of thing happens. I know that it’s part of this kind of life but hey, NOT ON MY PATCH is how I always feel.
Christine
Oh, my heart just sank. I do hope the old man turns up unharmed!
I am so sorry
That does not sound good…
((((((((((HUGS))))))))
So sorry, a sad day eh? A maremma guard dog is my suggestion. They bond with whatever they guard – furred or feathered. Just a thought. Joy
A good thought. (Ci, do you read Jasper’s blog? 2 bestest maremmas. There’s also a lot of videos on web about their abilities)
http://jaspersdoggyworld.wordpress.com/
I’m so sorry to hear about Carlos Garcia. Nature really can be a cruel mistress.
Awe C. not again and Carlos Garcia, no less. I am so sorry to hear this. I know you must be feeling terrible because you do everything you can to keep your animals safe at all times. What could of possibly done this? Soo sorry….