blood, sweat and tears

[OHSpartan]

We moved the chicks to the bottom of the hill in the empty space where the meat birds were. they would be cooler and get their stink out of the garage. When it came time to put them in the brooding box, two guinea got into a thorn bush, and in trying to get them out, I scracthed the living heck out of myself...blood.

I had one of the worst days at work I have ever had in a long time. One of my best friends left the company, it was his last day. Some other stuff happened but suffice to say, I should not have been building a new booder in 100 degree heat.....sweat.

Last night, a coon got into the brooder and killed 19 of 23 birds...6 buff opringtons, 5 black australorps and 8 guinea. Only one black australorp and 2 guinea survived. I forgot to screw the door shut and a coon(s) had a feast. at least 10 died in the brooding box. the others died in the run or in our yard. two guinea and the BA must have gotten to the blackberry bushes in time.....tears.

Such is the life of a backyard chickneer. I think we're going to drive up to Meyer tomorrow morning. I am absolutely sick!

 

[LvMyPeeps]

So sorry to hear about your loss :-(.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i'm so sorry for your loss.

The coon will be back. Set a trap and make sure he doesn't get any more of your chickens.

 

[OHSpartan]

I have caught 13 coons so far this season! I am guessing I could catch 30 more! Traps are set out every night. Corn on the cob, cat food, apples, marshmallows, peaches....you name it I bait it.

Sometimes I catch one, sometimes I don't, but they are still there in force!!!

I raised 25 meat birds in this space without coon entry. If I reinforce the door, I will deter them...for a while.

Incidently, I called Meyer to see about replacement birds and she commented that in all her years, this is the worst for people ilosing birds to coons. I"m not sure if this is indicative of more rookies (like me) getting into chickenry or if the predators are really thick right now. Either way, I think I will start saving hides and make my own wall-to-wall carpeting.

 

[sheila3935]

I've had chickens for 3 years and never had a problem til this year. About a week ago I lost 2 of my bantams to raccoons. They tore through a weak spot on my hardware cloth and got through the window. Since then we have trapped 7 coons in 5 days. I hear its all over this year, I set the trap every night and have replaced the hardware cloth. Hopefully we wont lose anymore.