First Predator Scare!

[ldrchickens]

Hey guys! Tonight I had my first predator scare. Not that big of a deal but i just have to share with you guys. I went out to lock my chickens up and walked out of my house to the shreaking of my chickens. I threw down my flashlight and egg basket in a mad dash to the coop. My two girls that were nesting on eggs were outside the run screaming. To my surprise a possum had run them out of the nest and having a dinner of their eggs!!! Talk about a freaking heart attack. I picked it up and carried it far away( which i know he will be back) and safely released him. The good news is none of my girls were physically hurt just terrified out of their mind and he only ate and damaged 3 or 4 eggs. The sad news is the girls were so scared they just sat on the floor still shreaking and refusing to go back into their nest box. I feel so bad for them! Is their any stress or shock related issues this could cause them other them abandoning their nest?

 

[Abriana]

Oh goodness! That’s way more terrifying than my experience. I heard them squawking and ran right out. I was so panicked that I started crying when I saw that they were ok! Turns out it was just a lil scuffle about roosting space, thank goodness!!

 

[ldrchickens]

Oh goodness! That’s way more terrifying than my experience. I heard them squawking and ran right out. I was so panicked that I started crying when I saw that they were ok! Turns out it was just a lil scuffle about roosting space, thank goodness!!

Right!!! I am just so thank full nobody got hurt. Will teach me to wait to close them up till dark

 

[Abriana]

Right!!! I am just so thank full nobody got hurt. Will teach me to wait to close them up till dark

After three years of doing it around the same time, it’s become an instinct to me. Even while on vacation at the same time each evening I start feeling restless and like I should be doing something! It scares me to death that something might get them.

 

[ldrchickens]

After three years of doing it around the same time, it’s become an instinct to me. Even while on vacation at the same time each evening I start feeling restless and like I should be doing something! It scares me to death that something might get them.

I normally lock them up right at dark or right before. But tonight i kept procrastinating before i did and i regret it. Just glad i went out before more damage was done. Hope my girls are feeling better!

 

[Abriana]

I normally lock them up right at dark or right before. But tonight i kept procrastinating before i did and i regret it. Just glad i went out before more damage was done. Hope my girls are feeling better!

Predators like opossums or skunks typically just eat the eggs. They might not bother the birds. Your girls might not lay for a day or two, a big scare can stop laying for a little bit. But otherwise I’m sure they are happy!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I would be predator proofing the coop/run stat! Good luck keeping your flock safe!