I have just seen a weasel in my driveway!!!! Is this a threat to my silkies?!?!

[MeghanChickLady]

I saw a weasel a few days ago and started to lock my chickens up at night because of it. Is it a threat? Will it hurt them? My father went out and shot it, but we don't know if its dead or not....please tell me, will it hurt my chickens? Im really scared...I don't know what weasels eat, Ive heard that they sometimes eat chickens but I don't know if its true I don't want dead chickens.

 

[ivan3]

They can squeeze through what seem to be remarkably narrow gaps, so look to covering ventilation openings around coop roof (if any) with .5" hardware cloth (check over rest of coop for other `gaps'). Inspect coop in evening before chooks go to roost to make sure it didn't enter during early evening & is hiding out - biding its time.

They can wipe out a flock:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...most-of-my-flock-of-blr-wyandottes-devastated

(with hints on trapping)

 

[thomasboyle]

Yes, a weasel is a definite threat to your chickens. But so are many other predators. Make sure your coop is secure. You should not have any holes, gaps or openings more than 1/2" inch wide. All of us have to protect against predators, it takes careful planning and a watchful eye, but you can do it.

 

[DianaMallory]

I think Weasels will just bite the heads off your birds and leave the rest. It is not something you want to see happen to your birds. So do like the other 2 post ahead of me suggested, Close up all those areas that a weasel can squeeze through!

 

[MeghanChickLady]

Thanks you guys, you probably just saved all my silkies! I will close up the gaps today, no doubt! I suppose I`ll have to lock them in the coop at night. I normally do, but we have a chain-link fenced-in yard for them, which, if youre right, the weasel could easily get through. I normally let them have that all through the night, but no longer. Thanks guys!