how to make my coop secure from thieves?

[brooks2873]

I went out of town and my 4 6 week old hens that was stolen from my yard. It was predator proof my brother in law dug trenches around the coop. He put heavy rocks in the trenches covered the dirt back over it. I also put extra wood and rocks around the coop. I also put 2 cinder blocks in front of the door. They took 3 of my hens and 1 was dead in the coop with her head tucked in her breast. I think broke her neck while grabbing her. There wasn't any blood some feathers in coop not a lot the door was still closed with the blocks in place.

this is my coop before I predator proofed it.

I miss my girls Pommes Frites, Brie, Truffles and Souffle.

 

[Mallory8502]

If you have checked everything and are completely sure it was a human thief then..

- Buy a game cam and point it at the coop - try to hide it well and put it out of reach.
- Put up a sign on the coop letting thieves know they are on camera
- Buy locks and padlocks for any doors/windows on the coop and run.
- Ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious and give them your cell number (unless you don't trust your neighbors) also ask them if they saw anyone around your house when you were away.
- Replace the chicken wire with 1/2" hardware cloth (if you can afford to)
- Install a motion detector that makes noise.

Do not post on social media that you will be out of town or go around telling too many people. It is possible someone did not see a car in the drive and went for it, however, it is more likely to be someone that KNEW you were gone and KNEW you had chickens. Ask yourself some questions - is your coop in plain sight of the road or well hidden in a fenced backyard?

 

[brooks2873]

My husband and father was home. I didn't post anything on social media. My wooden fence needed to be replace they kicked out the panels to get into my yard. Thank you for the advice. What's a good but inexpensive game cam? I know I'm going to put some solar lights and buy some locks. Where can I buy hardware cloth?

 

[thomasboyle]

Sorry for your losses. I would padlock the doors and any other access point on the coop. There are a number of good game camera's out there for $80-$100. I have a pair of Browning cameras, and really like them. Easy to use and they take good pictures. If you do get a game camera, I would also get a security box for it. They cost $25, and you mount the box to a tree or building using long wood screws, and then mount the camera in the box and padlock it. If someone is stealing your chickens, they will steal your camera too.

 

[Zoofee]

The Sportsman's Guide has different cameras you can order online.

 

[thomasboyle]

You could also get an electric fence charger and hook it up to the door handle. But get a motion sensor camera first, so you can post the video for all of us to enjoy!