It was only a matter of time, predator attack...

[zayn]

would a suitable sized 'mist net' work?- be sure to check whether your state allows it first though

 

[MacTech]

I'll check into a mist net and if it's legal in Maine, interesting idea...

As far as replacing the Orp I lost, I've been planning my strategy...
I will probably get another 6 chickens to shore up the flock ...

My criteria;
Excellent foragers
Observant of airborne threats
Good to excellent layers
Docile and tolerant of handling
Broody

Our winters can be severe, temps down to -30F are possible, more commonly into the teens

I would prefer to stay with heritage dual-purpose birds, leaning more towards egg laying than meat

My options at Dover Agway
Easter Egger
Barred rock
Black austrolorp
Buckeye
Buff Orpington
Cuckoo maran
Dark brahma
DeKalb Amberlink
Wyandotte (gold and silver laced available)
Partridge Rock
Speckled Sussex

 

[zayn]

or depending on where your poultry is situated, maybe install CCTV, not only will it protect your house but at least you can see what is the actual predator and decide an action from that. another idea is place a trap big enough for a fox and bait it with a dead chicken or some meat and see if it is a fox? it might work depending on what kind of coop layout you have and if it is near urban or rural area

 

[MacTech]

I'm in rural seacoastal Maine, about 10 minutes away from the local beaches, CCTV would be too much of a headache to set up, but perhaps some IR game cameras might work...

From the research I've been doing on breeds, I'm leaning more towards Buckeyes and Wynadottes, both have small pea combs, and are very cold hardy, Wynadottes are native to northern North America and Canada, and they are available locally

 

[MacTech]

I may have been mistaken about what predator killed my bird, it may have been a raccoon, found fresh tracks in the snow around the chicken run, time to put the large Havahart trap out and eliminate the varmint

Thankfully, no more losses

 

[zayn]

@MacTech try this it will work and cost you little or nothing!

 

[alica31]

MacTech- Sorry for you loss! I came home to 2 dead EE's and 3 RR missing---1 of which I found dead the next day - under a brush pile, as if trying to hide. I felt as if I had left them unguarded or something. (they were free range during the day)
My roo had also been attacked & I am proud he appeared to be willing to "go down with the ship."

Keep making us laugh!!