Another new chicken keeper

[Rldad1]

Welcome to BYC. The coop is nice but I would suggest that you replace the barrel lock you have on the door with something better as a raccoon can open a barrel lock in about 30 seconds.

 

[drumstick diva]

So very sorry for your losses. Dobie Lover has very good security for her flock. I'm sure she could give you some valuable advice.

 

[Terryjr]

Yes, they unfortunately will. As will fox. As will the neighbors dogs...
I keep my flock contained in a 1/3 pen behind electrified poultry netting and they've been safe in there. If you have the space to do that, you might consider the fence. Otherwise, there will always be the risk of losses due to ground predators.
If you can't enclose a large area for them, consider introducing some more free range savvy breeds to the flock.

Free range savy breeds?

 

[Eggscaping]

Hi, names Terry. My wife and I got chickens on a whim for Easter. Pretty cliche. 4 kids, small suburban home near Pittsburgh. So far so good. Here's a 12 week update.

Welcome to BackYardChickens! So glad to have you here in our wonderful community of friendly, helpful, knowledgeable people!

 

[DobieLover]

Free range savy breeds?

Yes. The more flighty breeds. The big, lumbering breeds tend not to be so good at looking out for themselves. If you can walk up to and pick up or just reach down and pet your chicken, it's not free range savvy. If your chicken shies away from you or better yet runs like hell, they'll do much better at taking care of themselves. Mediterranean breeds tend to lean this way.
My Exchequer Leghorn and Ancona are damn near impossible to get near.

 

[Terryjr]

I added another vent today since temps have been so hot. I staple gunned just about every square around the perimeter but still nervous to leave it open at night

 

[TwoCrows]

I added another vent today since temps have been so hot. I staple gunned just about every square around the perimeter but still nervous to leave it open at night

As long as it is attached well, all will be good!

 

[Terryjr]

More from my tractor supply Easter egger hen

 

[Terryjr]

Poor guys headed to rooster round up tomorrow. I'm hoping they get rehomed, I think that's how this one works. I just can't have roosters, I wanted to keep one, but it crows every 30 seconds all day long and I have neighbors to consider.

 

[BlueHorse17]

Welcome to BYC!!