Colorado

[Elyrian1]

Most likely, but how they didn't notice that thing go flying off the back I'll never know. You'd surely feel your shocks, or leaf springs, decompress a bit after losing a load like that. But there was no one pulled over and nobody was making an effort to move it.

 

[lomine]

They probably did notice it but didn't care to clean it up. If it was so damaged they probably figured it wasn't worth salvaging and just left. People can be pretty inconsiderate sometimes.

 

[PirateGirl]

I love and hate being woken up by the coyotes. I think some of you will understand. Maybe is because I didn't grow up with coyotes, but I'm drawn to listening to them. I just hate that they are so close. I fear for my chicken, I fear for my dogs, I fear for my cats. I have seen plenty of bold coyotes. They walk up to houses, they do not fear people, they do not fear cars, they do not fear domestic dogs. Fortunately everyone was locked up safe still when the coyotes visited this time. I don't know to what lengths they would try to get my chickens. Would they rip open my coop while the chickens are locked inside? I'm sure they are strong enough to pull off a plywood door if they really wanted to.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yes they can and will.
I built a coop for a friend that wanted one of my roosters years ago. It was solid, they tore the trim off and then the siding to get the poor cockerel and his 2 pullets.
It was all built with screws AND wood glue.
They even tore part of the roof off.

I would be adding hot wire and a good charger.

 

[PirateGirl]

Yes they can and will.
I built a coop for a friend that wanted one of my roosters years ago. It was solid, they tore the trim off and then the siding to get the poor cockerel and his 2 pullets.
It was all built with screws AND wood glue.
They even tore part of the roof off.

I would be adding hot wire and a good charger.

Thanks! I kinda suspected this, and unfortunately you have confirmed it. I always knew there was a possibility the coyotes might dig under the fence while I'm at work if they see the chickens out and about, I was just never sure if they would tear into a locked up wooden coop. We built ours sturdier than many store bought (so that's my consolation that it doesn't look as pretty as the store bought coops) but I will be brainstorming reinforcements.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would strongly recommend looking at fence chargers.

 

[lomine]

Maybe they are hybrids or sick. Either way there is something wrong with a coyote that doesn't fear people. I've heard that the dog/coyote hybrids are completely fearless and very dangerous so be careful.

 

[Elyrian1]

Urbanized coyotes also have no fear of people, they'll snatch pets off the leash while out walking. Or try.

A wild animal with no fear is bad news. Very bad news. Please look out for your safety. When we lived in the country, if it was close to dusk, or after, I walked armed to the chicken coop, often insisting hubby come with me to "watch my back."

I'll back up the electric fence suggestion. Peace of mind and all that...

 

[PirateGirl]

Maybe they are hybrids or sick. Either way there is something wrong with a coyote that doesn't fear people. I've heard that the dog/coyote hybrids are completely fearless and very dangerous so be careful.

They are just used to living in close proximity to people and pass through neighborhoods to get from one field/ranch/section of National Forest to another.

 

[PirateGirl]

Urbanized coyotes also have no fear of people, they'll snatch pets off the leash while out walking. Or try.

A wild animal with no fear is bad news. Very bad news. Please look out for your safety. When we lived in the country, if it was close to dusk, or after, I walked armed to the chicken coop, often insisting hubby come with me to "watch my back."

I'll back up the electric fence suggestion. Peace of mind and all that...

One of the first things I did when we moved in a few years ago was install a motion sensored light. If something trips the light, I know it's close