Advice on predator proofing.

[CarolynBradford]

Hi! My name is Carolyn and I live in Alabama. I am a relatively newcomer to raising chickens and loving every minute of it unless it involves loosing one of them! I have an Easter Egger, a Golden Cuckoo Marans, a Black Copper Marans, a black silkie and a lavender frizzle with some dutch bantam in her. As of a week ago I also had a Buff Orpington and as of yesterday I had a beautiful Red Star. We are having a major issue with hawks all of a sudden. Our coop and run is very predator proof or so we thought. A hawk ripped off the screen on the main door which is pretty high up so I'm not at all sure how he managed that with nothing to stand on but he did and he killed the red star and drug her up and over several barriers to get her outside. That's when I spotted him. He is coming back constantly so of course I'm on guard now until we can get some metal wiring installed. Any advice on how to make them go away?

 

[N F C]

Hi Carolyn, sorry for your losses.

Are you using chicken wire on your coop and run? I know predators can plow right through that which is why hardware cloth is recommended. If you already have the hardware cloth on your coop and run, the only other thing I can think of is to reinforce it as much as possible. Hawks (and other predators) will keep coming back once they find a good meal...hope you can beef things up quickly.

Good luck to you!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Welcome to BYC - so sorry to hear about your troubles.
It would be most helpful if you were to take photos of your setup and post them so that we can see what you are working with and help to identify potential weaknesses in security as well as make suggestions to help you address them. As noted above by @N F C the type of wire being used can be key - as can how it is attached (since you mentioned a screen being torn off - there are ways to secure wire for screening that avoids that happening). Often one person's idea of "predator proof" and a predators idea of predator proof are very different -- it can help to have many eyes evaluate the setup -- and to think like a predator. The smallest of gaps is all it takes and a determined predator will find them and make use of them, as you have seen.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Carolyn

Welcome!

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss

Besides the good advice you have already received, you might also want to check out the Predator & Pests Forum: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/13/predators-and-pests

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[Pork Pie]

 

[drumstick diva]

Ole Grey Mare is exactly right. She has given you great advice .

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to the community! I am pleased you could join us, I do hope you will make yourself at home here and enjoy yourself here as much as I have!

~Cuz

 

[CarolynBradford]

Thank you all for your advice and warm welcome! I am thrilled to be here and finally have someone to talk to about all things chicken! I will post pictures tomorrow of my coop and run. It is being reinforced tomorrow. I am tired of being a watch dog all day! Wow! Had no idea this would be involved when I started! I would still do it, though! Thanks again!