I think my chickens are killing each other

[44Wolves]

No! Don't get a red light, use a Common Small household heater. It heats the coop, not just one thing! No Reducing of Chickens is neccesary. Perhaps you can install a small,cheap Survaillance/Spy Camera in there.

 

[kell]

a heater would be dangerous because of the hay, wouldn't it? I used to have a regular light in my coop in NC and never had trouble. Why not a red light?

 

[Silverduck]

If these are grown chickens, I would turn the light off at night, they will keep each other warm. Just my opinion.

 

[44Wolves]

Quote:
I hung mine, and no, it wouldn't really. Keep it off the ground at a low setting, and if you insist on a light, use a red one.

Silverduck- He does it to keep the water unfrozen

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Here are my suggestions on securing your coop and run. i don't see a latch on the egg door on the coop. You should put on at least one, if not several. Your run looks to be made with chicken wire, which won't stop a predator, as it is easy to chew through. Ideally you will want 1/2" hardware cloth. The door looks to have gaps at the top and bottom. A weasel or other small predator might be able to get in easily. Luckily we don't have weasels where we live, but i have heard they can get into very small spaces, like a 3" opening. Plus, you really want a latch on the top and bottom of that door, too. Looks like it would be easy to pull the door open at either end.

You probably do have feather picking due to the confined quarters. But i've never heard of chickens disemboweling each other. That sounds like a predator. Not an expert on that, so others can help more on what kind. Also, having a light on all the time probably keeps them from getting adequate sleep and can contribute to antisocial behavior.

i'm very sorry for what you're going through. i hope you can find out what is doing this.

 

[kell]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I guess I will be securing the egg door tonight and throw them lots of fruit so they won't be bored. I will also get hardware cloth to add to the chicken wire. I am always open to suggestions. I really appreciate everyone's help. I will continue to subscribe to this post.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
All very good advice based upon common sense and logic.
I'd like to add securing the underside of the coop, after checking for entrance holes. Good sturdy wire as a buried skirt will make a big difference around the coop and run.

And please.... NO space heaters. Better to have to lug warm water out every morning than to watch the coop go up in flames. I know some people do it and never have a fire, but it you doubt me call your Fire Dept. and ask them. They'll tell you the horror stories from when just a thin bit of dust landed on one and ignited whatever was below.

 

[kell]

The gaps that appear under the door are actually secured with 2x4s that overlap the gaps. In the daylight I will scour the coop to look for any additional areas where sometihng might be able to enter.

 

[kell]

I wouldn't feel safe with a space heater. My husband just arrived with a red light bulb and locks. Off into the cold night to do more securing!

 

[kell]