Feeling like a total idiot

[donddon]

Did you use the 1/2 inch hardware cloth on all sides and top? I just built a large run for my Guineas, and I used 1/2 inch all around. I hate to think I wasted $400.00.

 

[Tre3hugger]

So so sorry. Are you saying they attacked your brooder from underneath? I have 1/2 inch hardware cloth around my chicken run. I was hoping that would be good enough. I had rats dig underneath a small chicken coop that was sitting on pallets. It bit the feet of my chickens.

Yes. Underneath is the only place with 1/2 inch. Every other wall is 1/4 inch so it had to be through the bottom. Could have been a rat. Or a weasel. Or even a coon. I reinforced the brooder floors with tiles just now, and tripled the depth of the pine shavings. Also set some traps. Hopefully this can catch it or at least deter it. Sleeping with one eye open tonight!!

 

[Tre3hugger]

Did you use the 1/2 inch hardware cloth on all sides and top? I just built a large run for my Guineas, and I used 1/2 inch all around. I hate to think I wasted $400.00.

I used 1/4 inch on all sides. Hard top. 1/2 inch on the floor that was breached. Through that 1/2 inch gap is the only point of access I can think of, and they were basically pulled through the floor so that clinches it. I used the 1/2 inch on the floor because ity is better for rabbit feet, which I originally built this for.

 

[Tre3hugger]

They should sell box traps get a small ish one. Do you know how big it is? If not start lf with a small one then get a bigger one if that doesn't work after a while. They are tricky to catch. I will post a pic of the trap I used. I would set up a game camera as well. Also you can get prededer light its a red light. Prededers don't like it. Could it be a rat? Rats eat there feet and they will eat chicks/ keets heads of like weasels. Rats will come around not because your nasty but because of the chicken feed. I have had one before. If it is a weasel get this size trap. If its a rat get poison.View attachment 2284159

Appreciate the tips. I ran to TSC and got there right before closing. They had ZERO traps on the shelf for anything bigger than rat. So I got an xl rat trap and borrowed a raccoon size havahart from a friend(slightly bigger than the one in your photo). I set them both with tuna as bait near the brooder. I also reinforced the floor with tiles and tripled the depth of their wood chips. Hopefully this will work for tonight. I also raked out the under brooder area of all small debris(there wasn't much anyway) and moved the tote I think the culprit climbed up. I also put a motion light over there. I am so scared for tonight. I hope they make it thru alright and the culprit is caught or at least deterred for the night until I can get the two pack of small havaharts tomorrow. SO STRESSFUL.

Thanks again for your support.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Appreciate the tips. I ran to TSC and got there right before closing. They had ZERO traps on the shelf for anything bigger than rat. So I got an xl rat trap and borrowed a raccoon size havahart from a friend(slightly bigger than the one in your photo). I set them both with tuna as bait near the brooder. I also reinforced the floor with tiles and tripled the depth of their wood chips. Hopefully this will work for tonight. I also raked out the under brooder area of all small debris(there wasn't much anyway) and moved the tote I think the culprit climbed up. I also put a motion light over there. I am so scared for tonight. I hope they make it thru alright and the culprit is caught or at least deterred for the night until I can get the two pack of small havaharts tomorrow. SO STRESSFUL.

Thanks again for your support.

Your welcome! Keep us posted.

 

[M Brennen]

Appreciate the tips. I ran to TSC and got there right before closing. They had ZERO traps on the shelf for anything bigger than rat. So I got an xl rat trap and borrowed a raccoon size havahart from a friend(slightly bigger than the one in your photo). I set them both with tuna as bait near the brooder. I also reinforced the floor with tiles and tripled the depth of their wood chips. Hopefully this will work for tonight. I also raked out the under brooder area of all small debris(there wasn't much anyway) and moved the tote I think the culprit climbed up. I also put a motion light over there. I am so scared for tonight. I hope they make it thru alright and the culprit is caught or at least deterred for the night until I can get the two pack of small havaharts tomorrow. SO STRESSFUL.

Thanks again for your support.

It might also help to get or borrow a game camera. It’s amazing what animals you will see. We have seen raccoons, weasels, cats, and skunks. My cousin actually caught a bear attacking her chicken coop.

 

[M Brennen]

Appreciate the tips. I ran to TSC and got there right before closing. They had ZERO traps on the shelf for anything bigger than rat. So I got an xl rat trap and borrowed a raccoon size havahart from a friend(slightly bigger than the one in your photo). I set them both with tuna as bait near the brooder. I also reinforced the floor with tiles and tripled the depth of their wood chips. Hopefully this will work for tonight. I also raked out the under brooder area of all small debris(there wasn't much anyway) and moved the tote I think the culprit climbed up. I also put a motion light over there. I am so scared for tonight. I hope they make it thru alright and the culprit is caught or at least deterred for the night until I can get the two pack of small havaharts tomorrow. SO STRESSFUL.

Thanks again for your support.

Wishing you the best.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

It might also help to get or borrow a game camera. It’s amazing what animals you will see. We have seen raccoons, weasels, cats, and skunks. My cousin actually caught a bear attacking her chicken coop.

I agree game cameras are very good when seeing what animal is around your coop.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Game cam is def on the list. Do you guys have any recommendation for cheapish options? @Yep I Talk To Chickens @M Brennen

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

I would check tractor supply, and walmart. If you will use it more than ounce I have an option but its a little bit pricey.