I recently lost my entire remaining adult flock to a mink (had also recently lost my annoying but awesome roo as well as his best girl to an eagle on different days)
The mink attack got me. I wasn’t particularly attached to those chickens but it seemed so mean and senseless. Plus I’ve a bunch of babies (5/6 weeks old) that had just moved out to the coop in a brooder box so I’m just feeling extra vulnerable for them as the girls were supposed to show them how things are done around here lol. Thankfully the littles were safe… I’ve got more hatching in a couple days as well…
Anyway, I’ll be able to fortify the coop and fix the hole. Im not worried about that but what I AM worried about is their run. It’s open with just 2x4 welded wire fencing and now fishing net above for the flying predators. I feel the mink will just come back during the day and murder everyone. There’s at least a chance of it happening I guess.
My question is if anyone utilizes having a fortified covered smaller run that the chickens would have access to anytime their door is open along with going out to a more open run when you’re home doing things outside? A bit more supervision? Would that even be worth doing? Or should I take some chances and just hope for the best? I can’t afford to cover and fortify their whole run… and also want them to enjoy having the extra space. Just feeling really torn on the direction I should take.
Thanks in advance!
The mink attack got me. I wasn’t particularly attached to those chickens but it seemed so mean and senseless. Plus I’ve a bunch of babies (5/6 weeks old) that had just moved out to the coop in a brooder box so I’m just feeling extra vulnerable for them as the girls were supposed to show them how things are done around here lol. Thankfully the littles were safe… I’ve got more hatching in a couple days as well…
Anyway, I’ll be able to fortify the coop and fix the hole. Im not worried about that but what I AM worried about is their run. It’s open with just 2x4 welded wire fencing and now fishing net above for the flying predators. I feel the mink will just come back during the day and murder everyone. There’s at least a chance of it happening I guess.
My question is if anyone utilizes having a fortified covered smaller run that the chickens would have access to anytime their door is open along with going out to a more open run when you’re home doing things outside? A bit more supervision? Would that even be worth doing? Or should I take some chances and just hope for the best? I can’t afford to cover and fortify their whole run… and also want them to enjoy having the extra space. Just feeling really torn on the direction I should take.
Thanks in advance!