Dead chickens

[subhanalah]

Chicken wire is inadequate as far as protecting your flock from predators.
1/2x1/2" or 1/4x1/4" hardware cloth will prevent things from reaching in (I have a 3' tall length of hardware cloth around the bottom perimeter of the coop).
It will also deter mice, rats, and snakes.

 

[fred081646]

I read the predator page daily and now realize how important it is to secure your chickens. So many sad stories of complete flocks being killed and maimed. These posts have had a great impact on me. I am in the process of building my run and will use hardware cloth all over except the roof which will be covered with plywood and shingles. I will bury wire and doing everything I can to prevent a tragedy. Without this forum My chooks would probably fall victim to something that I could have prevented. Thanks all for sharing your sad stories.
Fred

 

[6of6chicks]

I read the predator page daily and now realize how important it is to secure your chickens. So many sad stories of complete flocks being killed and maimed. These posts have had a great impact on me. I am in the process of building my run and will use hardware cloth all over except the roof which will be covered with plywood and shingles. I will bury wire and doing everything I can to prevent a tragedy. Without this forum My chooks would probably fall victim to something that I could have prevented. Thanks all for sharing your sad stories.
Fred

Me too. That's why I keep reading them - just when I think I know what I'm doing I read another story that opens my eyes even wider. Predators are so clever and determined. I'm constantly shocked at the small spaces they find to squeeze through, or walls they are able to climb, or building materials they can rip apart. It's so sad to read other people's tragedies, but every time I do I go out and take another look at my setup and try to see if I'm vulnerable to the same thing.

OP - so sorry for your loss. I hope you can figure it out so that you're able to prevent it from happening again.

 

[Romoshka]

Close inspection reveals absolutely no bites or marks except the bare spots on their backs from the roo.

 

[Romoshka]

Closely inspected the 2 that were saved...absolutely no bites or marks.