Don't want to give up but is it best for the chicken?

[Mom2Cool]

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1st you could call her Kitty since she's had 9 lives......

And I have to tell you hubby says rule of thumb is that anything a 5 yr. old kid can figure out so can a racoon. So if that was the predator you want to keep it in mind. We've been using the electric fence & haven't had an issue with the racoons since. It's helped with the black bears but isn't fool proof if they're not always running which if something touches them it tends to short them out i.e. folage touch them with short them out but aside from that they are VERY effective to keep things off your coop at night...

 

[Whirlwind]

Sounds like "Lucky" to me

 

[JessHall]

I think that if you enjoy having chickens, you should learn from your mistakes, fix what is wrong and go get some more! We all have to learn somehow, and unfortunately when it comes to chickens, most of us learn the hard way. Don't get down on yourself... Sometimes we do stupid stuff like let them take over the yard because we are thinking at the time that they are going to be SOOOOO happy! And we tend to forget that their safety is at risk... I'm sure you are going to be a better chicken owner because of your experience.
Good luck

 

[The Chicken Lady]

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Great post, Jess. That is so right!!