TheLegendaryMan on Nostr: A good way to help prevent these type of losses is to have a couple guard geese ...

A good way to help prevent these type of losses is to have a couple guard geese around. They will protect the flock while they are free-ranging. Also having a Black Australorps I have noticed can be beneficial for security too. Birds of prey tend to not go after them as much and the Black Australorps seem to always be on high alert to notify the flock of any dangers they sense too.

Also when they are free ranging having a mobile chicken coop, or at least a place where they can all run into and hide from areal predators can be lifesavers for the flock as well.

Sincerely sorry for your loss. I have been there many times with hawks, eagles, and especially bears myself. Lost almost my whole flock a year and half ago to mutiple bear attacks. Have to start over from scratch in the spring.