Where Is Jeb Clampett When I Need Him?

Jeb Clampett would know how to get rid of the vermin that is breaking into my chicken pens at night! And Granny could turn the marauder into a tasty stew!

So far, the varmint has eaten three Cotton Patch Goose eggs, killed and eaten one chicken hen and pushed SusieQ off her nest, injured her, and eaten the eggs she was sitting on!

Other experienced backyard chicken keepers suggest raccoon, o'possum or skunk as the most likely culprit.

SusieQ is in the house "Chicken Hospital" as of last night. She seems to have an injured left leg, but the skin was not broken. 

Her presence has given Marianne, my House Chicken, the needed boost to continue to improve from her grief and illness following my beloved Westie, Mackie's death. (Still not ready to write about Mackie.)

Last summer, my two connected bathrooms and my bedroom were the Chicken Hospital for Ameraucana Brandon and Rooster Tom. That led to Marianne leaving the barn flock to become Brandon's mate.

Then the Silkies Ethel and Luke came inside when the hawk took up residence and decimated the flock. Then I started having covered runs built.

But Brandon and Tom and the Silkies are stories for other blog posts.