A predator came in last night and took four chicks that are just over 3 weeks old. They were under broody that I decided to let out of her cage so it can be used with a younger brood soon to hatch. I placed one of those wooden nest things you buy from TSC on top of a cage containing another broody hen with chicks.
It was placed tight against the wall.
Only thing I noticed last night was dogs got riled just after midnight and high tailed it to barn based on barking. I am a bit sick so not on my game when it comes to responding to such alarm. Approaching the barn entrance after sun up I could see the nest was displaced and a couple feathers from hen were next to it.
I quickly found hen and she has only 3 of 7 she had last night. I was able to find feathers from the hen on ground and also stuck to pen a good 20' away. She appears sore but will not allow me to pick her up for inspection. See feathers near crate on ground.
Nest has been replaced and baited with carcass of a culled American Dominique cockerel. Game cameras will be set up shortly. My gut feeling it is a GHO that has no trouble beating perimeter other likely perp would have hit feeder first and gone after other chickens in cages encountered along route raccoon should fine a little tough to climb with making a mess.
It was placed tight against the wall.
Only thing I noticed last night was dogs got riled just after midnight and high tailed it to barn based on barking. I am a bit sick so not on my game when it comes to responding to such alarm. Approaching the barn entrance after sun up I could see the nest was displaced and a couple feathers from hen were next to it.
I quickly found hen and she has only 3 of 7 she had last night. I was able to find feathers from the hen on ground and also stuck to pen a good 20' away. She appears sore but will not allow me to pick her up for inspection. See feathers near crate on ground.
Nest has been replaced and baited with carcass of a culled American Dominique cockerel. Game cameras will be set up shortly. My gut feeling it is a GHO that has no trouble beating perimeter other likely perp would have hit feeder first and gone after other chickens in cages encountered along route raccoon should fine a little tough to climb with making a mess.