have you seen a predator attack in action/ or stop a impending attack in progress?

[TGRREZ]

My girls are in converted sheds with huge attatched runs. Usually I lock them up just as sun is setting after they have all retired for the night. A few times I have done it later. Last night however I was LATE. I went out and I usually lock up the larger shed that has my laying hens first. But for some reason I decided to lock upon the babies first. To my horror when I shined the light in the in casually before entering, there was a POSSUM only feet away from entering the shed were my sleeping chick pullets were! I nearly had a heart attack. I managed to barely squeeze a hand through the wire and closed the door. The possum started climbing the fence. Then I was scared it would somehow get into the next run as it climbed and tried to squeeze through. I calmly opened the next run door and walked over and locked the othER door where my layers and Broody hens are. Then, armed with a flashlight and a rake, I started whacking that thing through the fence, since it was still in the small run. Finally after like 5 vigorous whacks, it let go and ran away. Not sure how it got in. I was so shaken up!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Wow what a close call.

I recommend an auto coop door opener. I love mine.

I got tired of worrying about being late to close the door at night. One year I even had to leave a family gathering to close up the chickens and then went back.

They are expensive but worth it!