I think my adult rooster is killing our adolescent roosters... is this normal?

[Michael Apple]

Now there you go. I can wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts here; I really HATE those coons.

We do have a henhouse, and Daddy spent three days in there... I locked him up at night, and opened the door during the day. He had feed and water, but I think the rest of the flock got most of that... he didn't even open his eyes for the first couple of days.

Yesterday, though, he left the henhouse, and last night he was back up in the tree where they roost. I am astonished at this bird! Tough little creature.

But yeah, I think I am going to try to lure those chickens into that henhouse at night. It'll be a tight fit, with 11 of them in there, but I think they can do it.


Darn raccoon.

Build a bigger coop. Build it like a house with wall studs, windows, doors, etc. I like a coop I can walk into without bending over. I built mine and they're better than the ones I see being sold. Cheaper to build than buy too.

 

[anthriel]

Well, that's an interesting point about losing fewer chickens in a tree than the henhouse. We'll think on that.

Meanwhile, Daddy the rooster was doing better today, so they tell me. Eating, drinking, interested in his surroundings, hanging out with the girls and pecking away. It looked like he was going to survive his injuries, amazing little creature.


Until the hawk got him.




I just don't think I'm cut out for this...

 

[centrarchid]

Well, that's an interesting point about losing fewer chickens in a tree than the henhouse. We'll think on that.

Meanwhile, Daddy the rooster was doing better today, so they tell me. Eating, drinking, interested in his surroundings, hanging out with the girls and pecking away. It looked like he was going to survive his injuries, amazing little creature.


Until the hawk got him.




I just don't think I'm cut out for this...

I stated I have lost fewer chickens to raccoons trees than in henhouses. Raccoons often have a harder time locating chickens in tree and chickens can bail out where raccoons will be only able to eventually catch one when it comes down. If raccoon can get into a poorly constructed henhouse, bailing from a roost does not provide reliable escape options making so raccoon can kill multiple victims in a single visit. It often takes a successful raccoon visit (successful for the raccoon) for me to realize I have work to do. I usually get raccoon on second visit but if problem occurs in henhouse I will have already lost multiple birds before I even have time to react, especially if I do not go out and catch raccoon in the act.

You do seem to be having lots of problems. Have you considered putting together some pens to limit losses until you get problems under control. Damaged birds seem to be particularly at risk and may need additional protection.

 

[anthriel]

I did understand the raccoons were the predators you were referring to, centrarchid. Thank you for your insight.

Good idea about the bigger coop, Michael Apple. I think it would help!