I would just like to clarify something, you're saying that your rooster killed three raccoons overnight. I must be missing something because I think that's extremely unlikely. Chase them off I believe, but not kill.
How did this get to page three before someone called you out lol.
Howdy, im in central Texas and i think your set up will work for your desired flock size. Now let me be clear, that structure will be sufficient to house your birds, but is a death trap in the Texas sun. If you mess up one morning and dont let them out till 11 you will have heat stroke related...
haha sorry i dont know how that got included when i hit reply, im a young man but i have no idea how computers work somtimes. I wish nothing but the best for you and yours, and everyone else who keeps chickens!
You are of course aware that different people have different levels of finance. You regard a half dozen coops as inexpensive, perhaps you would be willing to assist OP financially in predator proofing their enclosure as you have?
If your not willing to do this, i dont think you should question...
So she discovered she had cancer between when you gave her the birds on good faith, and when she finally texted you back? Could happen, probably a lie.
No you have a great point, in a perfect world we all have predator proof grazing areas. In reality that is quite expensive to do for any sizable space. The alternative being keeping the chickens in smaller spaces that are easier to secure, which diminishes quality of life for the birds.
Both...
If your more for active removal, possums will generally hesitate and stop if you put a really bright light right on them, you can then use whatever tool for removal. A headlamp and rifle usually works fine. If it does run, wait 10 minutes and it will probably be back. They favor the end of dusk...
just for everyone notes, i thought i would add i had a large red tail hawk take a bird, very early morning, just north of Austin, roughly aug 1st.
we had the weirdest staring match...
I love the idea of live and let live but after ya see a few of your chickens dead, the morality issues get pretty grey. On the flip side if you cook that fox share the recipe.
how do y'all usually rest a bird? i was thinking wrapped in a open gallon ziplock inside a large glass dish. ive also seen people suggest just lightly wrapping it in wax/butchers paper.
@chickendreams24 thats an excellent point i had forgotten. Alright here is the current plan:
From the pet carrier im going to drop him into a large pillow case, this will limit his fighting.
I will then lightly but firmly zip tie his legs together to ensure if he escapes its not a pain to catch...
OP here
I will take ownership of said trouble maker on Saturday and ill make sure to give a full report. A country friend of mine is coming by to show me a cerebral dislocation method hes experienced in. might end up using that method, will report back.