2 pullets pulled out of coop through chicken wire

[sholbrook22]

Oh, dear. we're new to chickens, and thought everything was going well, but last night I didn't chase them up into the roosting portion of our A-frame, but let them (6 2-month-old Orpingtons) nest together in our totally-enclosed chicken wire run.

This morning, two were missing, with just feet outside by the coop. The must have been *pulled out* and then eaten - but I can't see how they would have fit through the wire? And whatever nabbed 'em had to have very small paws.

Possum? Raccoon? Fox? Bobcat? No scratches around the door, no digging (bottom is also wire protected, not that it seems to matter....)


We will reinforce with extra layer of offset chicken wire......

Any suggestions??

 

[georgialee]

I'm so sorry. Sounds like a raccoon to me. There have been ome horror stories on here...

 

[Call_me _crazy]

Just got in from my coop and 3 of my 2 month ol babies were gone!! Found where it pulled the wire from the wood. Found feathers where it pulled another through and found my black ones wings onthe outside of the cage!! I am so upset! I usually make sure they roost in the box with the others and didn't check last night. We will be reinforcing the wire and fixing any other possible points of entry for little paws.

 

[chickencoop31320]

Sorry about your birds

Forget about using chicken wire. It's not strong enough, layers of it aren't going to protect like other fencing can. Chicken wire is ONLY meant to keep chickens IN, not keep predators OUT.
Use welded wire no climb fence with chicken wire or hardware cloth over it.
You can find the no climb 5' tall fencing in rolls 50' long for under $50 at Lowe's.
It might seem a little pricey to set up, but it's well worth it for the protection it offers.
I lock up my chickens EVERY night too.

Good luck.

 

[sholbrook22]

Thanks for the sympathy.... I guess we hadn't prepared for the realities of chicken life...

Anyone had problems with fishers? We've had one spotted in our area.

(ps - what is a hairless rat chickencoop31320??)

 

[mom2chicksandpups]

I'm so sorry this happened to you.

A kitten actually got in our pen the other day, which shows how easy it is for small animals. I watched it squeeze right through the wire and go completely into the pen. Of course, it was only trying to get to my husband, who was cleaning the pen. I don't think the kitten would have had a chance against 9 Australorps that are in that pen, but you never know.

 

[CMV]

Quote:
Words to live by if you are new to chickens. You'll find out that chicken wire is pretty much useless. Attach your welded wire with something much stronger than just staples. Most folks around here use screws with big old washers to secure wire to the coop. Too many stories about raccoons (and possums) wrenching the wire free to make an opening. And ALWAYS lock your birds in at night. Oh, and make sure your latches are secure. If it can be opened by a 5 y.o. child, it can be opened by a raccoon.

Now that the predators know you have an all-you-can-eat buffet available they will be back, so plan accordingly.

Good luck.

 

[Call_me _crazy]

My DH is out look at the welded wire now!!! God love him to deal with me and my new hobby!! I'll let him know about the screws and the washers. I'm not taking anymore chances!

 

[gypsy2621]

The most horric part of racoons is the fact if they can get their paws inside the wire, anything near that spot is pulled through the fence, piece by piece if necessary.
the ugly little buggers like chicken pieces as well as the whole bird.
any opening larger than a cats paw, a coon can get its grubby paws through.

 

[Cock-L-Doodle Garoo]

Don't know about the wildlife in your area, but I've had those devil weasle's attack before. They can be small. Went out that morning and there was blood all over the place. One had it's head chewed up and another got his lower leg bitten off. Snakes can also get thru but if they swallow one they usally can't get out. I've had both situations. I agree with the better fencing.