They came again yesterday, the brazen bastards. It was 2 pm and Jessica was using Robert’s bedroom for class work while Pint was not-taking his nap. She heard the ruckus and ran outside to see them in the chicken coop, having entered once again from on high. We now have two fewer chickens, a Buff Orpington and a Phoenix hen. Because we interrupted their attack, they were massacred but left behind, two deaths for naught.
I am back to full zombie state. Hunky Husband has his I’m-going-to-figure-this-out-and-thwart-the-predators mind set. He spent buuku bucks at the big orange box store on a million different ways to prevent their breaking and slaughtering.
My glass is most definitely half-empty. The coyotes have found their food source, tasted blood, and refuse to stop until they have decimated us and our flock.
Unless something miraculous and inspiring happens, I’m taking a break/slowing down on the blog. You all don’t want to hear my ongoing woes and frankly, it makes me cry all the more to write about them. Thank you for the time and encouragement you have given me.
I'll be back.
I am so sorry.
Posted by: meg | December 07, 2007 at 07:14 AM
Yes, by all means, save your energy for coyote hunting! We will wait here until you are ready and able to be back. Best of luck.
Posted by: shepherdchik | December 07, 2007 at 08:15 AM
You live in dangerous country at the moment. I would be doubly careful about letting "pint" out to play in the yard. Your home is under siege and if it was my yard I would diffently set up a bait trap situation, wait for them to return and shoot. At this point the coyotes are very dangerous because they have crossed the line and have no fear. They have to be killed.
Posted by: Sam Gullo | December 07, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Oh dear. We had our little email exchange before I read your newest post. I had no idea your heart had taken another hit....
Posted by: Michelle | December 07, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Sam brings out a very, very valid point Lauren...I know you're so good about keeping Pint under watch, but if they are out in broad daylight hunting he's at risk. And so are you. I would talk to Fish & Game to see what you can do in your area to defend your property. (But then AZF&G aren't big about help, at least not here)
Posted by: Kathy | December 07, 2007 at 04:00 PM
I know nothing about farming, sheep, chickens, coyotes, etc. But I do agree with others that the Pint needs to be watched very carefully. It's obvious that this pack (?) considers your space as their grocery store, and they are going to keep coming back. I wouldn't be surprised if they had the nerve to attack an adult if no one else were around.
Maybe it's time to teach the Pint the pointy stick game and for HH to learn how to shoot a gun. I'd rather learn gun safety and practice it than get bitten by a coyote (those rats on human growth hormone). Nail their coats to the outside of the fence as they fall one by one.
We're be here when you get back. Stay strong. And whap one on the nose with a baseball bat for me, OK?
Posted by: PixelPi | December 08, 2007 at 03:37 AM
You know what you need? A good ole fashioned rifle. Draw a bead on those suckers and end their blood-thirsty ravaging for good. Consider it as therapy. You could even make yourself a nice coyote stole to wear to church. I grew up on a farm that bordered the mountains and we used to shoot coyotes from our porch.
Posted by: Jacqueline | December 10, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Lauren: I'm behind in my reading --- working contract in San Diego means working 24/7 some days.
I'm glad folks mentioned Pint as that is definitely my concern --- once they find a food source, they will continue to return. Fish & Game seldom does much --- have you tried the male urine marking thing? That worked for me in Oceanside. But, frankly, I'd be tempted to get a rifle and use it.
Hang in here kiddo. Don't give up.
Posted by: Karalyn | December 13, 2007 at 09:07 PM