Coyotes took ALL MY HENS!

[Pretty-Poultry]

Sorry for your loss, a similar thing happened to me a couple of months ago, but with a pack of wild dogs. Me and mum searched the paddock I climbed up trees, we looked up and down but didn't find any, we only had 9 though. But we have started again and now have 14 new, happy chooks. I spend some afternoons up at the chook pen, talking to them and guarding them. I might sound OCD but there are so many snakes around here. Just yesterday I was up there and saved them from a brown snake. One has even survived being strangled by a carpet snake. Anyway, good luck

 

[MrsEison]

I had my little flock of 9 taken out by the neighbors dog last summer. The stupid little "wiener" dog got in and slaughtered every one of them. It was not eating, it was not part of the natural food chain, it was just a mean dog that enjoyed killing. It was horrible to see on the video cameras when we got home. It was so bad, my husband wouldn't let me or the kids even see the coop until he had buried the remains. It came back the next day.................it will never bother my chickens again. I now have 9 happy hens and 1 roo, and the neighbors now keep the rest of their dogs in their yard! We had to bury the fencing around our coop as we have roving dogs, raccoons, and coyotes. In the areas where the dirt is soft for digging, my husband dug a little trench and buried the fencing with some cement poured in, then covered back up. (that has saved my chickens several times now!) Even have a young buck that shows up on the camera once in a while to clean up any stray corn! LOL!

 

[janinepeters]

I am sorry for your loss. I would start over, but I would not depend on just the netting for night time protection. They need to be physically locked up at night. It really is not that difficult to keep a coop free of holes/spaces that will admit anything bigger than a weasel.

 

[conny63malies]

Isn't there a law that let's you protect your livestock? Around here you are allowed to shoot anything that endangers your livestock.

 

[spotsnsolids]

so sorry. I had the same thing happen, went from 45 birds to 3 birds. The feathers scattered, the paw prints in the mud, the coyote standing in my yard several mornings later, I can guarantee who is guilty. I plan on replenishing my flock this spring but more preventive measures will be taken.

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

The coyotes are PROTECTED?! Since when are coyotes on the endangered list?
Here, if something is bothering your livestock (excluding hawks), you are allowed to shoot to protect.
I would start over again. Build a secure coop to house your chickens in, and try to get a good Livestock Guard Dog. They will protect whatever belongs on your property. My Great Pyr. Koda, is the best dang dog I have ever had.

 

[tally keith]

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[Lone Wolf]

I am very sorry! But like other people are saying some of your chickens could be hiding. Do your chickens have a safe place or do you have a deck or something they could have hidden under during the attack? Coyotes will go away most of the time if it is challenged. Could you get a dog?

Grace

 

[cluckcluck32]

Sorry to here about your losses,the same thing happen to me. I seen a pack of 5 coyotes 3 days before my instance. I also had to replace my flock. It will take some time and effort but i hope everything works out for you.

 

[kacklinkelly]

Just a crazy thought. Maybe your neighbors would be interested in helping to rebuild your set up and flock. If they have enjoyed your flock's egg production for a while, perhaps they would like to make a powerful positive difference. It could end up being an opportunity for everyone to get together. Like an old fashioned barn raising. OK maybe I'm a bit optimistic but it's always worth a try. Crazier things have happened.

I live in AZ and hear coyotes nightly having their feeding frenzy on something in the desert near our community. So far we have been lucky enough.
I wish you the best of luck.