Hello from Vermont!

[Dominique King]

Welcome from your neighboring state New Hampshire!

 

[Debbie292d]

Oh wow!!! Seems like maybe you shouldn’t have any bird food. Then the bears won’t be attracted to your property. I’d be nervous they’d discover the chickens. Amazing photographs though!!

It doesn't matter really, they are always around here and if it wasn't one thing, it's another. They went for the suet because they couldn't get to the sunflower seeds. Those feeders are all strung up on pulleys out of their reach. For every 30 days, we feed the wild birds to one day of having bear for 15 minutes; it's worth it. They cannot break into our coop. It's an Amish garden shed, and if during the day, our roosters have the chickens well hidden.

 

[triciayoung]

Hi there!
I used to be a member about a decade ago!! But here I am again.

I had chickens for many years. Sadly, my flock was decimated after multiple attacks from various critters- hawks, raccoons, fox, weasel…

I’m in bit of a panic mode though. I’m picking up my chicks next week and need to build my coop still. We had an older coop but…a bear just ripped off the door two days ago. Ugh.

I know…why am I getting chickens? Well, the bear was after the garbage can that my husband put in the empty coop. I’ve never even seen a bear close to our house before.

This is my hope…I can get my little chicks and raise them into feathered friends inside my extra bathroom while I build a new safe coop.

I’m getting 10 hens. They are pretty standard cold tolerant breeds…honestly, can’t remember what I selected. Buffs, Easter Egger’s, etc…

I’m going to post another thread in the coop section but wanted to say “hey” first.

I love reading about other peoples experiences and look forward to being part of this vibrant community again

Welcome. I would keep the chicks in the house until you are completely predator proof. In Vermont (I am a former New Englander), you are going to need secured 1/2 inch hardware cloth on walls (including an apron) and ceilings of runs (securely fastened), and anywhere in the coop where there is 1/2 or larger hole. Bedsides a secure coop, you also need an electric fence around the perimeter of the coop and run for bears, etc...This sounds more daunting than it is. You can PM me if you would like help.

 

[Lulu-vt]

Welcome. I would keep the chicks in the house until you are completely predator proof. In Vermont (I am a former New Englander), you are going to need secured 1/2 inch hardware cloth on walls (including an apron) and ceilings of runs (securely fastened), and anywhere in the coop where there is 1/2 or larger hole. Bedsides a secure coop, you also need an electric fence around the perimeter of the coop and run for bears, etc...This sounds more daunting than it is. You can PM me if you would like help.

Thank you so much for your offer to help. I have secured the coop with hardware cloth and most of the run. I have some gaps that are about 2”. It’s where the boards join and I’ve curved the HC around. It leaves a small gap but big enough for a weasel I supposed.
I’m still not sure about the hot wire. I might wait until next year as hopefully soon they are bedding down for hibernation. Although I hear they don’t do that as much anymore.
I still have to secure the run. I have HC on sides and a 24” apron but have not finished the roof. Currently I have chicken wire over the top to prevent hawk from easily swooping down. But it’s only temporary. It’s SO MUCH WORK! Ha ha! But I do love it.