Saw my killer last night

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newchickmom

newchickmom

Crowing
14 Years
Nov 8, 2007
720
13
264
Lafayette, Indiana
It was pouring rain so I waited for it to let up before going out to close up the coup. That was a big mistake. I heard a rukus just as I was going out the door, but by the time I got out there, they were calmed down.
I shined my flashlight around the run, and saw two shiny eyes. A raccoon! I knew I should have brought the gun with me. I was too late. He already had a chicken. He took off without his meal though. Now I know who has been killing my birds.
In the last 2 weeks I have lost 3 ducks and now the 3rd chicken.

My run is in bad shape and needs a lot of work. When I get the boys out here, we are going to make sure raccoons won't be able to get near the chickens! In the run or the coop!
 
What kind of set up have you got? Hardware cloth 1/2 inch? As well as around the edges buried underground? Secure all the way round? I design and build enclosure for a living, any advice you may require, I am at your service, it's a horrible feeling losing a bird but one I am yet to feel.
 
If you have pics of your coop we might be able to help you a little better.
Something that I have heard really helps is "nightguard". It's a solor pawers blinking led that un-nerves predators. But there is no substitute for a properly secured coop.

Also if the predator is digging, 12 inch deep hardware cloth buried all around the coop works great. I have used an apron of chicken wire that extends 12 out horizontally from the edge of the coop and then buried with a layer of dirt. This was necessary because of all the tree roots. Too hard to dig down. It was worked for me so far.

I' glad to help with suggestions also.

I am very sorry to hear about your lost chickens. We all get attached to them.
 
This time of year, the females are weaning their young. That's why she took your bird with her. She will be back until you are out of poultry or you kill her.
Sorry, didn't sugarcoat that much.
 

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