Fox and Long Tailed Weasel

[jgarzasr]

We moved our (7)Chicks out to the coop last week. It is a nice sturdy coop - so we are not too worried about anything getting at them while in there. But I built a small run - not real sturdy - because I meant for it to keep them in - not any predators out during the day. We also let them free range while we are at home - which seems to make them happy.

Well Yesterday - my wife was on the patio - and our dog started barking - He is kenneled up about 20' away from the coop. She looked and there was a Fox checking out the Chicks - but the dog scared it away. This was in the afternoon around 3:00 PM

Then this morning - I opened the coop to let them outside in the run - and a while later the dog started barking again - this time it was a long tailed weasel heading for the chicks - but the dog scared it away.

I thought these predators came out at night! I now plan on getting some materials and build a nice sturdy run...... Any suggestions on size for seven chickens to be happy while in there? And do these predators usually prowl during the day?

 

[greyhorsewoman]

Fox generally come at out dusk & dawn, but we have had them come for lunchtime too. Once they see an opportunity (especially now when many have kits), they can be persistent.

 

[Sherry]

'tis the season to feed babies.