Current predator problem solved. WARNING GRUESOME and sad.

[aart]

Sorry for your loss, that stinks.
But....Oops...you forgot the last S part.

Apron. They start digging at bottom of run/coop wall, hit the wire mesh and give up.

 

[Gingerlilypad]

I like that apron. How far out would you suggest? I have rolls of the 4 foot tall 2"x4" holes, dog wire. Would that work? Go out four feet, plus the entire inside of the pen covered in the same dog wire? In addition to the three feet of chicken wire. It will take me a while to do it, but if it will prevent another slaughter, then I am willing to do it.
I really do love having chickens.

 

[aart]

I'd go about 2 feet on the outside for the apron, inside not really needed.
3 feet of chicken wire on the wall of the run can be a good idea.

 

[mrballance]

Sorry for your loss, that stinks.
But....Oops...you forgot the last S part.

Apron. They start digging at bottom of run/coop wall, hit the wire mesh and give up.

I have that setup. I used 1" hardware cloth that I ran out 2 foot and 1 foot up. Then placed heavy rocks around the outside on top off the skirt. I wire tied the sides up to the fence. Remember chicken wire will not keep much out, It's for keeping chickens in ONLY. Use hardware cloth !!!

 

[chicksurreal]

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with these losses AND having to take such measures that shouldn't have been necessary if the neighbor had done their job. I hope you can find it in yourself to get more birds. They bring such joy (also such sadness when we lose them, so I understand it if you don't want to get more).

 

[cochinator]

Deleted

 

[cochinator]

Does this mean that more dogs will automatically move in to takeover the territory of the late K9s?

 

[TK421]

X3 on the apron. Go out 12-24" and don't worry about the inside floor. I second the use of hardware cloth, though I am unfamiliar with dog-cloth you mentioned. My very sweet dog tore holes in chicken wire trying to get at bread. I got tired of fixing holes, so replaced the bottom 3 ft with hardware cloth, and the problem is solved. Now I sleep better not worried that my coop is vulnerable.

I really hope you get back into chickens. It sounds like you enjoy it as much as the rest of us.

 

[Gingerlilypad]

Thanks to everyone. I am going with the outside apron and the hardware cloth around the pen. It is a slow process right now, because we are having very unusual weather for good ole Mississippi. One thing I am going to do is to go out 4 ft, because that is the height of the fencing I have. I am also going to till the area up before laying the wire, so when spring does get here, I can plant goodies like squash, cucumbers etc some for me and some for my chickie babies.
I am on Ideal Hatchery's mailing list and I drool everytime I read about their specials. But other than the few guineas I have left, my pen will be finished before I start raising up another batch in the brooder.
And as the local crazy chicken lady, I will raise up more, name them, love them, and cry about them.
Plus not only are chickens good as friends, they also give eggs. They can provide meat, but once I name them, they aren't going to be supper.
Again thanks everyone that responded.

 

[Dee Dee 2]

This may be too late but I totaly agree with chiknhurder. I have been using Premier fencing for 14 years around my 10 acers (for horses) and mulit strands around my chicken yard. I love Premier electric rope ~ not so thilled with the electric netting. Can't recommend it. Their products are exceptional quality. Not 'made in china'. My charger, electric, has been clicking away for 14 years no problem. (made in Germany) Run a strand about 5-6" off the ground, another 9-12" from the ground . Then add strands of rope about 18 " apart till you reach the top. Be sure to put one close to the top. Ain't nuttin getting in now. 6000V will stop about any thing short of a bear. p.s. Keep children away from rope and espically any one with heart problems. Sooner or later you will touch it ~ but only once. Won't hurt you but it will teach you a quick lesson.