Hello

[Jennyrose1127]

Hello there. I’ve come across Backyard Chickens many times over the last year but haven’t joined until today. I had a mixed flock of 10 sweet, beautiful chickens. They were just over a year old when I lost them all to a daytime raccoon attack on March 31. I’m devastated by the loss. Their run is predator proof. They had a 70X30 yard to enjoy during the day with overhead netting to protect them from hawks. We thought raccoons were nocturnal. We love keeping chickens and have already started again with new chicks. We figure we have 8-10 weeks to make the yard safe before they go outside. We will install a hardware cloth apron just like we have on the coop so the raccoons can’t dig under. We don’t know how to keep them from climbing, thinking about electrifying the fence. I’m hoping I can get some advice on this forum.

 

[Kiki]

We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

Sorry for your loss. Any and all HUNGRY predators will attack ANY time of day.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Official BYC Coop Page Contest - Fall-Winter 2017

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Hello.
Build your housing tough, build it sturdy. Chickens are really low on the food chain. Wildlife doesn't have a Burger King to pick up a meal or 2, they do what they do to survive. Unfortunately, that's where livestock comes into the mix.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Welcome to the Yard Bird Site..

 

[featherhead007]

Hello there. I’ve come across Backyard Chickens many times over the last year but haven’t joined until today. I had a mixed flock of 10 sweet, beautiful chickens. They were just over a year old when I lost them all to a daytime raccoon attack on March 31. I’m devastated by the loss. Their run is predator proof. They had a 70X30 yard to enjoy during the day with overhead netting to protect them from hawks. We thought raccoons were nocturnal. We love keeping chickens and have already started again with new chicks. We figure we have 8-10 weeks to make the yard safe before they go outside. We will install a hardware cloth apron just like we have on the coop so the raccoons can’t dig under. We don’t know how to keep them from climbing, thinking about electrifying the fence. I’m hoping I can get some advice on this forum.

Add a gun turret, barbed wire, and put in a mine field while you are at it!... Just kidding,
Usually, a motion sensor and audible alarm+ red LED lights scare racoons off!

 

[Joeschooks]

I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. Welcome to BYC! There’s so many helpful, knowledgeable folks here and I’m sure you’ll find this site a very useful resource. I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do.

 

[drumstick diva]

Electrified fencing can change the playing field. Once a raccoon gets zapped, it won't forget. Please check out the predator threads for more advice.

 

[Jetblack2004]

It's so nice to meet you

 

[Jennyrose1127]

Thank you for the responses. We will definitely install electric fencing. I will check out the predator threads also. Maybe I can get a motion sensor that makes noise since my issue is raccoons out in broad daylight. Our Great Pyrenees is a great deterrent but, unfortunately, we were away and he wasn’t home when this occurred
I was originally going to let them free range. We made the yard with bird netting because I couldn’t bear the thought of a hawk attack. This was a lesson learned the hard way for sure.

 

[Teila]

G'Day from down under Jennyrose.... Welcome!



I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

BYC has Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. This one in particular may be of interest:
Topic of the Week - Keeping the Flock Safe from Predators

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

You may also be interested in this link:

• Predators & Pests Forum

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and welcome to BYC. Sorry to hear about your loss. Predator proof, predator proof, predator proof and when you think that's enough, Preadtor proof again.