Any idea what is killing my hens....?

[Hamburg]

I will add my guess, if it fox or coyote the birds would be eaten, if not then it is most likely a dog.

 

[bobbi-j]

Time to attach a run to your coop and keep them locked up for a few weeks.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Time to attach a run to your coop and keep them locked up for a few weeks.

A good run is always better to have and not need than to need and not have. Generally speaking the need that arises is an emergent sort of thing, ie active predator issue, where the time and resources to build are not always immediately available.

 

[bobbi-j]

A good run is always better to have and not need than to need and not have. Generally speaking the need that arises is an emergent sort of thing, ie active predator issue, where the time and resources to build are not always immediately available.

Although my chickens free range most of the time, I do use my attached runs from time to time. When we have predators lurking about, when we’re going to be gone for a couple of days, or when visiting family brings their dog, for example.

 

[MissHenrietta]

Thank you all! I do have a run set up, but only use it if I’m going to be gone for a few days or know I won’t be home until later on in the evening/night. I do have them in the run now, and intend on leaving them there for a while. I have a game camera set up now outside of the coop, but didn’t catch anything on it last night....however, as I was pulling in my driveway this evening after work, I happened to see a fox take off through our yard and into the trees. And yes, I only found the body of one...my favorite girl, Gemma. And I only saw a pile of feathers from one other. The other three I saw no signs of anything; they’re just...gone. I’m so heartbroken by this. I just got done “predator-proofing” my coop with new hardware cloth on all of the windows. Has anyone use netting for “cover” over their run? I have a 50’x50’ net that I would like to use but unsure if it’s a waste of time or not. Thanks again for all of your replies! I’ll def’ keep you updated if I find the culprit...

 

[Folly's place]

Netting is fine to keep out raptors, but likely not so good for any climbing ground predators. It's better than no top at all though.
A smaller very safe run would be helpful.
Mary

 

[cmom]

I have netting covering my pens which are 60 ft x 200 ft. Since I put the netting up nothing has tried to go over the fences. I also have electric wire going around my coops and pens, concrete under the gates and the netting covering the pens.

 

[cmom]

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have netting covering my pens which are 60 ft x 200 ft. Since I put the netting up nothing has tried to go over the fences. I also have electric wire going around my coops and pens, concrete under the gates and the netting covering the pens.View attachment 1787335

You obviously must get no snow? Snow brings down any netting here.

 

[Folly's place]

There's Florida, and then there's Wisconsin. Or lower Michigan, even, where snow happens! We love the cold, right?!?
Mary