Chicks Were Killed and it's My Fault...

[Danniro]

It's not your fault, you just need to do more research! Build a new, stronger coop if you get more...the raccoon may be back.

Actually off to get some pullets today, I couldn't stand more chicks

I think we might just have them in the crate but bring it inside or put it in the run. They'll be in the run during the day, which is safe, and I can let them free range under supervision in the front yard while the other hens are in the back until the quarantine period is up.

 

[Mah1Mah1]

Actually off to get some pullets today, I couldn't stand more chicks

I think we might just have them in the crate but bring it inside or put it in the run. They'll be in the run during the day, which is safe, and I can let them free range under supervision in the front yard while the other hens are in the back until the quarantine period is up.

Seems like a good idea!

 

[jaytoddmartin]

Although I know you wish that you were immediately a ninja level chicken farmer, I'm afraid you must climb the ladder to get there. Some steps of the ladder will make you cry, some will make you laugh.

The main thing to remember in our fight for independence and survival is that the real score card is kept by if WE live or DIE. If you stop now, the knowledge you've gained will be useless. In honor of the passed chickens you need to continue on and use those lessons to make the lives of your future chickens better. Everyone will be grateful for the passed chickens and overall they will have served a huge purpose for you and your flock.

Good luck!

 

[Going Quackers]

I'm sorry that must have been massively upsetting. Unfortunately, coons are very skilled masters and i always recommend people look at their set-ups like a pred would.. try your darnest to get in, reach etc.. truly evaluate the weak spots.

Adding more is up you, that said they will need to be quarantined and i would most definitely ensure your area is secure, larger birds are at risk too, especially after a successful attack, is your coop large enough to accommodate more birds?.

 

[Danniro]

I'm sorry that must have been massively upsetting. Unfortunately, coons are very skilled masters and i always recommend people look at their set-ups like a pred would.. try your darnest to get in, reach etc.. truly evaluate the weak spots.

Adding more is up you, that said they will need to be quarantined and i would most definitely ensure your area is secure, larger birds are at risk too, especially after a successful attack, is your coop large enough to accommodate more birds?.

The coop I think is supposed to hold up to 5 chickens and is supposed to be predator proof. We've had no problems with it, other than when a racoon climbed in while it was still light out and we hadn't locked them up. No one was hurt tho

It's an older eglu model by the company Omlet.
I have the new pullets sleeping in the crate in my basement at night and frolicking in the run during the day (while the hens circle jealously).

 

[sm2teach]

I am so sorry this happened to you. I wanted to thank you for sharing this story because it can definitely help others. We have lost a couple of chicks to illness but not to predators yet. We do free range during the day, but it is just a matter of time.

 

[Danniro]

I am so sorry this happened to you. I wanted to thank you for sharing this story because it can definitely help others. We have lost a couple of chicks to illness but not to predators yet. We do free range during the day, but it is just a matter of time.

A couple months ago a racoon crawled into my hens' coop around 8 when they had just gone in but we hadn't locked them up, was still light out. Shook one of them around a bit before we scared it off, luckily no one was harmed (lots of lost feather but no bald patches or blood

). They didn't lay for 2 weeks though and it took them a week to go into the coop at night by themselves!

 

[sm2teach]

A couple months ago a racoon crawled into my hens' coop around 8 when they had just gone in but we hadn't locked them up, was still light out. Shook one of them around a bit before we scared it off, luckily no one was harmed (lots of lost feather but no bald patches or blood  ). They didn't lay for 2 weeks though and it took them a week to go into the coop at night by themselves!

Oh no! I worry about this. There have been a few times I look out the window and panic because it is dark and I forgot to lock the chickens up. Usually my husband covers me though. I finally set an alarm on my phone but when the days get short I often don't get home until it is already dark.

 

[IGmom]

So sorry about your loss. I think we all worry about our feathered 'kids'. The raccoon likely will be back so live, learn, and make adjustments the best you can to try to prevent other occurances.
On days when it is so stifling hot, humid, no wind, I have left the coop open. They are still inside another fence but I worry worry worry all night long. I have used a baby monitor before, works great(unless a mockingbird is out there singing all night)!

Either way you lose sleep worrying but the monitor was a peace of mind.

 

[Danniro]

So sorry about your loss. I think we all worry about our feathered 'kids'. The raccoon likely will be back so live, learn, and make adjustments the best you can to try to prevent other occurances.
On days when it is so stifling hot, humid, no wind, I have left the coop open. They are still inside another fence but I worry worry worry all night long. I have used a baby monitor before, works great(unless a mockingbird is out there singing all night)!

Either way you lose sleep worrying but the monitor was a peace of mind.

I've thought before about using a baby moniter haha. But I know my girls are safe in their coop and now the little chicks sleep inside so they're fine.