3 Chickens...GONE....POOF

[Kiki]

O man, was I sounding mean?
I apologize if so.

 

[arouech]

I'm not sure how an animal that was big enough to take 3 chicks could have gotten "through" the fence even if the wire is 2x4". I would also assume that something may have gone over the top. Maybe check the whole fence and see if an animal had bent or broken some of the wires to get in? What gauge wire is the fence?

The fencing is 2"x 4" I believe. I looked around the entire area and no where has been bent. We tightened that fence like you wouldn't believe so any bending would have been easily visible. I wish I would have taken photos of the "crime scene." The run is only temporary until we get our coop up. We have a tarp tight over the top so nothing can come down in like a hawk (that was my biggest fear).

 

[Kiki]

critters can go right thru the fence holes...that may be why you are not sending any bending...

 

[jolly wattles]

O man, was I sounding mean?
I apologize if so.

I wasn't insinuating you were. Lol I was talking about me .

 

[arouech]

O man, was I sounding mean?
I apologize if so.

Omgosh you're so mean! LOL

No, you're fine, I'm in NE Ohio, so we have raccoons for sure, but I'm getting a game camera tonight (found one at Walmart for $20). I didnt want to leave them out all night, but its only 3 -4' high and trying to chase them to get them in the crate to transport was NOT easy.....I fell a few times, in poo. I'm pretty sure whatever did get them, did it during the day, so unless it was a rabid raccoon, it had to be something that hunts during the day. I'll be out there this weekend with my airsoft rifle and this evening once I get the camera up. I read someone put out mint extract, so I may try that too

 

[Kiki]

I must have read it wrong...sorry

PI hate to see people think this type of fence is secure and wonder why their chickens end up dead, so I think I may sound rude when I say:
This type of fencing...same with actual chicken wire...are only for keeping chickens IN...
It does NOTHING for keeping the bad guys out.

I would advise you to get smaller "holed" fencing (one inch or less) before you put them back out.

 

[arouech]

I agree with kikisgirls. Not to sound mean but that setup is far from adequate concerning security. Not only mammals but also snakes could easily get in. (I've killed 2 outside my run this week alone. We have a secure run and a open run with 2x4" fencing but they are only allowed out there when we are home.

I agree as well, however this is my only my 1st time raising hens, so I'm unfortunately learning as I go (also funds are limited, so we have to go with minimal). I keep my back door open so I can hear them from my living room b/c the run to the door is not even 50 feet away.

BTW you dont sound mean, I appreciate any advice I can get!

 

[arouech]

I must have read it wrong...sorry

PI hate to see people think this type of fence is secure and wonder why their chickens end up dead, so I think I may sound rude when I say:
This type of fencing...same with actual chicken wire...are only for keeping chickens IN...
It does NOTHING for keeping the bad guys out.

I would advise you to get smaller "holed" fencing (one inch or less) before you put them back out.

Do you think it would be a good idea to go around the fencing I have up already with chicken wire?

 

[Kiki]

no chicken wire sucks.

 

[Kiki]

the welded wire is costly but it works.
do you have maybe some extra wood laying around?