SB907
Chirping
My yard is an opossum highway. I have caught them in the coop, they have walked through my flock in broad daylight, and for the most part, they have coexisted peacefully for the past 4 years. A couple months ago, I lost several of my silkies (one a week, three consecutive weeks) to a mystery predator: all were broody at the time, and as eternally broody silkies, would not have vacated their "nest" if their life depended on it. I found their bodies partially eaten under a shed that the opossums are known to frequent, and we have no other ground predators that could carry them that far, so I suspect an opossum wandered in just before dusk, happened upon a silkie that wouldn't run away, and took the opportunity to grab it. Elevated the nest boxes a bit, and locking the girls up a little earlier than normal and we have had no further issues. I don't think they are going to be chasing down and catching a healthy adult chicken or breaking into a coop like a raccoon might. They have pretty terrible eyesight, but if they stumble upon an easy meal, they will take it!
