CINCINNATI -- An overnight visit from hungry coyotes left left New Prospect Baptist Church's urban farm 27 chickens short, severely curtailing one of Roselawn's few sources of farm-fresh eggs.
"It was like a massacre that happened here at some point last night," Pastor Damon Lynch III said.
The coop was littered with feathers when caretakers arrived Friday morning. They initially suspected raccoons, Lynch said, but a coyote print in the dirt led them to consider canine culprits.
The urban farm comprises 20 acres in Roselawn, where it serves both as a source of fresh produce in the "food desert" and a source of learning opportunities for young people in the community, Lynch said.
"The kids love it," he said. "Kids come to church on Sunday, really, sometimes just to see the chickens."
There are still chickens left to see, although they were hiding Friday after the deaths of 27 of their fellows. Lynch said the church would focus its attention on protecting its baby chicks to ensure Roselawn residents can continue to enjoy locally sourced eggs.
"The members love the eggs," Lynch said. "They, for some reason, think these eggs taste better than anything that is in Kroger, so they purchase eggs every single day."
Anyone wishing to contribute to the farm as it rebuilds should contact New Prospect Baptist Church.
