fussy chickens, possible predators?

[kemclaughlin]

My chickens are very fussy and noisy. I know that noisy hens are normal, but they follow me around, and fuss over each other when they are in the coop laying eggs. Could there be a predator around or is this normal?

 

[auburn]

This sounds normal to me, but I have really bossy girls who seem to think the only reason we'd be in the yard is to give them treats, hence constant following.

How secure is your coop?

 

[kemclaughlin]

It does have some spots that need to be reinforced. None of my girls are missing though, so I was leaning toward snake, but I have never seen one.

 

[kemclaughlin]

That sounded like I don't care. My husband is going to reinforce the weak spots today, we just noticed it.

 

[auburn]

No no, it didn't sound like you don't care! I certainly don't have a perfect coop, I'm in no place to judge anyone else's. XD

Have to admit I'm not very familiar to the snakes in your state. Anything particularly dangerous? If smaller than the chickens then it's the one more likely to end up bitten...and eaten!

 

[kemclaughlin]

If it's a snake, it's likely to be a gopher snake, I think. I think that my eggs are disappearing, but I cannot be sure without a trap. I think we have rattle snakes in the mountains, but I live in the city.