Bad Tuesday Morning

[ChickenCanoe]

Maybe because they're easier to kill.

I left a door open once and luckily, also hadn't collected eggs. An opossum ate the eggs and didn't bother the chickens. If there hadn't been eggs, it would have killed a chicken.

 

[aart]

FYI a raccoon can chew right thru chicken wire and/or reach thru the holes and grab chicks or chickens...go with 1/2" hardware cloth, attached with screws and washers or air driven long staples, on all openings in the coop larger than 3/4".

 

[Cknldy]

Weasels should be on your suspect list as well. They are known for killing everything, taking the heads off and just leaving. Hardware cloth is more expensive but will best protect a small flock. Look up some of the threads for integrating different ages cuz there's lots of well-proven advice here on BYC

Smaller cage in coop so that big and little can see but not touch each other works best. It takes time. Good luck.

 

[MooreSulaChicks]

Yes we are going to be getting hardware cloth tonight and be adding on to our coop tonight, for new chicks. That way everyone can see each other but not get to each other.

 

[The Lazy L]

You have 4 areas that are lacking in sufficient protection for your flock


1. There is an opening higher then your head that is uncovered.

2. Looks like there are unprotected large gaps between the rafters and the wall.

3. Chicken wire is used instead of 1/2" wire fabric.

4. No provisions to prevent predators from digging under the walls.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

FYI a raccoon can chew right thru chicken wire and/or reach thru the holes and grab chicks or chickens...go with 1/2" hardware cloth, attached with screws and washers or air driven long staples, on all openings in the coop larger than 3/4".

They can also rip chicken wire with their paws.

You have 4 areas that are lacking in sufficient protection for your flock


1. There is an opening higher then your head that is uncovered.

2. Looks like there are unprotected large gaps between the rafters and the wall.

3. Chicken wire is used instead of 1/2" wire fabric.

4. No provisions to prevent predators from digging under the walls.

All good points.
There can be no openings over 3/4" IMO.
It doesn't matter how high they are because some things can climb sheer walls and fly.