Help..7 eggs, mommahen was just killed..day 13..

[kycklingmamma]

I am heading out in a few..eggs are holding steady.
My hubby just went out to open the coop up and disaster met him at the door..one more hen mauled and one is missing..we have no clue what is doing this but something is getting in the coop at night...
Our coop is made out of 10' 4x4's with horse panels and sheet metal..but there is a 5" or maybe 6" gap at the very top by the roof..could a raccoon get in there?

 

[Suechick]

I'm so sorry, how horrible!

I don't know what all could get in, but something knows how and will keep coming back until it can't get in anymore. A 5" - 6" gap is huge and there are plenty of predators that could take advantage of that. That must be the problem, better get that fixed ASAP. I've heard that even a 2" gap can let in a skunk.

 

[galanie]

With a 5 or 6 inch gap, yes, almost anything can get in there. So sorry for your losses!!

 

[kycklingmamma]

Thanks guys..
Hubby is coming home early so we can plug those gaps up...

The bator is running nice and toasty..hope we manage to get a few little gals out of these..

 

[kycklingmamma]

UPDATE..

The eggs are holding strong...the LG is a little touchy, but I am home so I check it multiple times throughot the day..temp is good..the humidity..probably not correct..will head out and get a hygrometer today..we are on day 16 today..at least two maybe 4 eggs look very promising..if more ...hey even better right?

We caught one racoon night before last, last night one more came by the trap but managed to escape..we will keep on trapping until we gotten'em all.
The coop has been reinforced at the very top of the 10' walls..no more 5-6" gaps, no more chicken murders..

Thanks for all your help guys..could not have done without your comforting words and helpful hints..YOU ROCK!!