I think that you should spend the time to make your coop predator proof. It is unlikely that you will be able to be there 24/7 so what happens when something gets in when you are not there?
I don't think shooting something with a BB gun is appropriate and it obviously isn't helping keep things out of the coop. You say that there is no blood or open wounds but how do you know this? I doubt that you are checking these animals after the fact. In many areas, this would be considered abuse as you are just injuring/maiming an animal. Many areas say that you can legally protect your livestock or your person but as stated before it is legal to kill an animal not to maim it. Secure your chickens then you don't need to worry about it.
I don't think shooting something with a BB gun is appropriate and it obviously isn't helping keep things out of the coop. You say that there is no blood or open wounds but how do you know this? I doubt that you are checking these animals after the fact. In many areas, this would be considered abuse as you are just injuring/maiming an animal. Many areas say that you can legally protect your livestock or your person but as stated before it is legal to kill an animal not to maim it. Secure your chickens then you don't need to worry about it.
