First Loss

[jbrianchamberli]

We lost one of our hens a couple of weeks ago and they've been locked up ever since. I have plans to build them a 20 x 10 run when the weather breaks. I guess they'll have to stay "cooped" up and in the small run I have for them now.

 

[teriz1091]

Do you have aerial predators in your area? I believe hawks and the like go for head and chest too.

We have an owl or two that lives in our barn, & I’ve seen plenty of hawks in neighboring pastures. The chicken pen is in a stand of trees, if that makes a difference. Also, we’re in Kansas, if that narrows the predator list down.

I made sure to count the chickens tonight & close their coops!

 

[Chullicken]

Sorry you lost your baby girl. Thing about all the praise of free ranging and all its many benefits, often times in all the glitter and excitement people forget (I'm guilty) that with free ranging birds you will eventually pay the 'wildlife tax'. Predators will keep returning regardless of your dog, they will learn it can't chase them away. Really with coyotes, its two things..'accessibility and opportunity'. You take those away and your birds will be much more safe. I live in New Hampshire so coyotes are a thing, but just one of many. Owls, hawks, weasels, fisher cats, foxes, possums, bears...every pen I build is wall to wall hardware cloth or fencing panels with a 1' curtain around the base to include the coop to prevent digging under. Good luck with everything.

 

[Michael Propst]

Also, we’re in Kansas, if that narrows the predator list down.

I made sure to count the chickens tonight & close their coops!

I am also from Kansas. It is great meeting you. I know everyone has their own best practice. I previously posted on how I predator proofed my run with hardware cloth and a ground predator barrier. My backyard is 70'x100' and fenced which is also a help. One other practice I have been doing is I do not let my girls free range unless I am home, this way I can keep an occasional eye on them and do a head count. I also am hoping if something gets into the yard they will make enough noise to alert me or get my dogs attention. If I am going to run a quick errand I will leave them out but if I know I am going to be gone for more than an hour I will secure them back into the run. I also make sure I put them up in the run 1-2 hours before sundown and secure them in the run. After they head to bed I will go in and also close the pop/security door on the coop.