(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
I tried raising chickens in Spring 2019 but they were all wiped out in one night. Now I have a much better Chicken Coop thanks to some friends that helped me to predator-proof it. The chickens I have now I've had since about May of 2020 I have 8 chickens and 1 Duck I had more but cat killed two chickens and then a raccoon killed a chicken and a rooster. I am definitely a beginner still have lots to learn but eager
(2) How many chickens do you have right now? 8 chickens and 1 duck, 2 older chickens started laying about a month ago and the others should be laying within the next few weeks.
(3) What breeds do you have? MIXED
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
They are so fun to watch!
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?Gardening and coooking
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
I'm a widow with 21 acres right on the edge of town in Iowa. I'm actually in the city limits but I'm lucky my property is zoned under "Agriculture"
(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what got me here? I'm A Google a question about my chickens cyc would come up but this is the first time I've actually gone I guess to the website always before it would just be like an article that I was reading so I figured I might as well sign up if I'm going to be using the information I can participate.
I tried raising chickens in Spring 2019 but they were all wiped out in one night. Now I have a much better Chicken Coop thanks to some friends that helped me to predator-proof it. The chickens I have now I've had since about May of 2020 I have 8 chickens and 1 Duck I had more but cat killed two chickens and then a raccoon killed a chicken and a rooster. I am definitely a beginner still have lots to learn but eager
(2) How many chickens do you have right now? 8 chickens and 1 duck, 2 older chickens started laying about a month ago and the others should be laying within the next few weeks.
(3) What breeds do you have? MIXED
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
They are so fun to watch!
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?Gardening and coooking
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
I'm a widow with 21 acres right on the edge of town in Iowa. I'm actually in the city limits but I'm lucky my property is zoned under "Agriculture"
(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what got me here? I'm A Google a question about my chickens cyc would come up but this is the first time I've actually gone I guess to the website always before it would just be like an article that I was reading so I figured I might as well sign up if I'm going to be using the information I can participate.
Predators are persistent and difficult for sure. Yes all Google roads lead to BYC, 
please make yourself at home here and welcome to our community!
sorry for your losses, that's super disappointing but I'm glad it didn't stop you! Chickens are so much fun and ducks are just the cutest!
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