Locking chickens in coop for the night, a neccessity if they have a run? - Page 5

Well, saying a prayer didn't help this time. Last night a black bear climbed the 6 ft chainlink fence and got into the chicken run. He ripped off the side of the coop, and my beautiful Goose (Blue Andalusian) flew out and he took her away before we could get down there. She was the top hen of the group, and I feel in my heart she went out to distract him so the rest could be saved. I feel like throwing up. I didn't sleep all night. I am going out to get barbed wire so I can string it along the top of the fence in a coil. I am also getting ammonia, and putting soaked rags there, too. I've got to get wood to reinforce my coop, and a motion sensor light. I am going to hang wind chimes on the fence too, so I can hear him before he gets to the coop. I won't leave the girls in there tonight..I took them out last night after the break in and put them in the garage. I knew he would come back, and he did, 2 more times. DOW is bringing us more rubber bullets. I feel awful right now. I am also buying an air horn. Any other ideas?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsRodgers 

Well, saying a prayer didn't help this time. Last night a black bear climbed the 6 ft chainlink fence and got into the chicken run. He ripped off the side of the coop, and my beautiful Goose (Blue Andalusian) flew out and he took her away before we could get down there. She was the top hen of the group, and I feel in my heart she went out to distract him so the rest could be saved. I feel like throwing up. I didn't sleep all night. I am going out to get barbed wire so I can string it along the top of the fence in a coil. I am also getting ammonia, and putting soaked rags there, too. I've got to get wood to reinforce my coop, and a motion sensor light. I am going to hang wind chimes on the fence too, so I can hear him before he gets to the coop. I won't leave the girls in there tonight..I took them out last night after the break in and put them in the garage. I knew he would come back, and he did, 2 more times. DOW is bringing us more rubber bullets. I feel awful right now. I am also buying an air horn. Any other ideas?
 

I am sorry, that would be just terrible. I have no idea how one fends off bears? While they are here, they tend not to come into our area since were more open. The power behind them is unreal, i hope you can find a solution to protect the rest of your flock.

I'd second the hot wire idea. Nosing up to 7000Vs might change his mind.

Jack

Hot wire could be an option, but our propane tank is located right next to the fence. Blowing up the property is a worse problem than the bear. Our gas company said the wire had to be 25 ft away.  Here is what I have done, though: I hung bells, big colored jingle bells and cow bells all along the top of the fence yesterday. It looks like Christmas! I put all my girls to bed in the garage last night, so they wouldn't be in any danger. I realize that may stress them a bit, as I have 3 boxes, and I have to separate them, but I have to. Fanta is the only one laying, and she continues to just lay her egg in the box. I just make sure I put the top girls together, and bottom girls together. We had our shotguns and a plan ready. He came back at 6:30 this morning, and sure enough, when he tried to scale the fence, the bells went off. He ran off without getting in. Now I realize that he may not be scared of that a second time..but it alerts me to the fact that he is trying to get in. I am ready for him. Today I will install a large motion sensor flood light, that has a flash option on it. He won't like it when that light flashes in his face. We have also made some adjustments to the coop so that even if he did try to get in, it would take him awhile. My husband and I both work at home, so someone is always here. I'm going to get more cowbells.
 

I think I would dig a big deep hole, get out my M1, The S.S.S.

Jack

And, bears hate ammonia...but it's not good for the girls, either. Maybe the ammonia could go further out from the fence, like maybe in a perimeter around the property. Any deterrent I can do will help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackE 

I think I would dig a big deep hole, get out my M1, The S.S.S.

Jack

Ha! Yes, I do have it in for him. We were pretty disappointed that he didn't come back during the night..but there is always tonight. I want him to get over the fence so I can aim my shotgun at his behind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackE 

I'd second the hot wire idea. Nosing up to 7000Vs might change his mind.

Jack

My lines currently have 17kV on them. it hurts but if something wants through even with 7 strands hot, it'll get through

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsRodgers 

Ha! Yes, I do have it in for him. We were pretty disappointed that he didn't come back during the night..but there is always tonight. I want him to get over the fence so I can aim my shotgun at his behind.

razor wire if you can get it with barb wire. most  critters would get the point after being shredded by that nastiness.