Discovering the most worrisome of chicken ownership - predators!

[llombardo]

Ok...that did make me laugh. Thanks. (as I use my flashlight to get another look)
predators we have are nothing out of the ordinary:
Hawks, Bald Eagles, Fishers, Fox (which I actually have not seen in about a month, but they abandon their dens once kits are old enough so I'm assuming they're gone for now. They will be back in colder months and when new kits are born in the spring...so I'll be back to complain about them).
Possible skunk

We actually don't have much. no bobcats. Bear yes, but they are more after the chicken food probably no?

Amazingly since we've lived here (5 years) we have not seen a single opossum OR raccoon. We were just talking about how weird that was today.

It's just tough to sleep (protected or not) when you're listening to a fisher scream.....or a fox bark. All is quiet right now and I've had my flashlight out more than once
(it's one of them high powered things....as seen on TV. LMAO. Works though)

Damn birds are gonna be the death of me!

I sleep by an open window since mine have been outside. It's going to a mighty cold winter with the window open...

I've seriously thought about bringing them in the winter because my heart can't take the aniexty of dealing with predators and the cold.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

We built our coop/run onto an existing barn that has water but no electricity. The barn is a pretty good distance away, so I put up motion activated solar lights on all four sides of the run. Our coop is pretty secure, but if I hear something and the lights are tripped I know to check on them for sure.

 

[llombardo]

I think a big part of keeping them away is to keep them guessing. Dogs and no routine. I'm more of a night person and it's not unusual for the dogs to go out a couple times in the middle of the night. I have a senior that gets hot, so she wants out and I always put a shepherd out there with her in case of coyotes. I make noise, turn security lights on at 3am. If they are watching for a routine, they are not finding it here. I'm not opposed to making it as difficult as possible. If I do a coop that attaches to the run, the coop will be in the yard with the dogs, even better protection in my opinion.

 

[LisaMarie81]

Thanks all. Girls are safe and sound this morning, but I agree with another poster here. It's going to be a cold winter with my windows open. LOL
I think another motion light is in order a bit closer to their coop. Current one is near but not on the coop. Also (for my peace of mind) I think I'll put some hardwire on part of the lower portion of the coop as well to discourage chewing the wood. I know a few "weasel" like critters chew through.
And no. I do not have a live trap.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

The first month I had my chickens outside in the coop I was worried every night. I drove my husband crazy because I was getting up to check at every noise. There was one possum experience in the early morning, and that was it. I chased it off that morning and it was disposed of later.

I put out a game camera, and was amazed at how many critters we have that come and go near the coop, but nothing has gotten in. I have seen fox, possum, and raccoon. I have relaxed now, since I know they are out there but now getting in. I know that it could still happen, but I can't make myself sick worrying.

 

[llombardo]

I've been lucky with the dogs and the soon to be rooster(he only 5 months) alerting me. Both have sounded off to I know raccoons and I beleve skunk. Raccoons in the trees and the skunk along the outside of the fenced yard. The next morning I could smell the skunk as I checked the perimeter.

 

[Abriana]

An electric fence is a great investment. I have 200 feet of fencing which is plenty for 20 birds. I recommend getting fifty foot lengths-I hate my hundred foot one, it’s so difficult to handle when I move my birds.
I’ve only had three predator losses in two and a half years-two hawk attacks and one mystery attack when a hen escaped the electric fence. No night raids, no ground predator issues. The electric fence is a must.

 

[Folly's place]

Having a secure coop at night is #1, and then as secure a run as possible, preferably roofed. In winter, you won't love shoveling snow to get your birds outside!
Bears can demolish just about anything, so electric fencing set up properly is the solution there, and it will also keep out most ground predators.
You are doing great! Sleep!
Post pictures of your coop and run; maybe we can make suggestions to help.
And yes, everyone loves chicken...
Mary

 

[llombardo]

An electric fence is a great investment. I have 200 feet of fencing which is plenty for 20 birds. I recommend getting fifty foot lengths-I hate my hundred foot one, it’s so difficult to handle when I move my birds.
I’ve only had three predator losses in two and a half years-two hawk attacks and one mystery attack when a hen escaped the electric fence. No night raids, no ground predator issues. The electric fence is a must.

How do these electric fences work in wet conditions(snow, rain, etc)?

 

[Abriana]

How do these electric fences work in wet conditions(snow, rain, etc)?

They work great in wet conditions. I get a lot of rain here and my fence has held up great