I declare war
Today it was the chickens - 8 beautiful laying hens dead in the field. First day I'd let them out to free range in weeks. Went out with Bea to shop for a nice living room chair for her - first time she'll have spent any of her National Board check completely on herself. When we got back, a big pile of feathers by the back steps. As I looked out across the field I began counting the bodies. Not a single one eaten - just broken necks and left for dead. One hen and one rooster left alive who must have hidden in the hen house, another rooster who's been spotted making commando runs from one sheltered area to another, but he did not return at the end of the day. Another rooster and hen missing completely, presumed dead. Talking with neighbors - a litany of killed chickens, another dead goat, horses chased and injured. The general opinion is two dogs - one a large black one and the other a larger tan/red one. No one has declared a bounty, but I think every rifle in the neighborhood is loaded. Willow, who has always complained that my rifles are too long and heavy for her, picked up my .22, took a bead through the scope and declared she could handle it. Looks like it's time for that membership to Red Castle.