Its not Fort Knox yet

[sawilliams]

But we're are getting there. After losing 7 chickens in 3 days we made some nessecary changes to the coop to better secure the flock. Its been a sad few days. First 3 chicks from a broody mama vanished with no trace then this morning 3 chickens missing and the same mama dead killed not far from the coop, just last 2 babies lives then a week old alone. Both times by my own mistake, we hadn't been locking up the run at night which caused the first losses, and last night I regrettably forgot to lock up the run again due to my own negligence and tiredness.

So this afternoon hubby cut the added vents I needed for the coop so I could not only close up the run but close the chickens safely in the coop as well. I know it will require a better effort on my end both keep them safe at day but to also keep them safe at night. But it's a part of chicken parenting that I should have taken more seriously from the beginning. I have been lucky that in 4 year's this is my first losses to a predator, that luck made me soft, neglectful, and less cautious. That will all change.

Sorry about the mini rant, thank you for listening I just needed to vent.

 

[The Phantom]

But we're are getting there. After losing 7 chickens in 3 days we made some nessecary changes to the coop to better secure the flock. Its been a sad few days. First 3 chicks from a broody mama vanished with no trace then this morning 3 chickens missing and the same mama dead killed not far from the coop, just last 2 babies lives then a week old alone. Both times by my own mistake, we hadn't been locking up the run at night which caused the first losses, and last night I regrettably forgot to lock up the run again due to my own negligence and tiredness.

So this afternoon hubby cut the added vents I needed for the coop so I could not only close up the run but close the chickens safely in the coop as well. I know it will require a better effort on my end both keep them safe at day but to also keep them safe at night. But it's a part of chicken parenting that I should have taken more seriously from the beginning. I have been lucky that in 4 year's this is my first losses to a predator, that luck made me soft, neglectful, and less cautious. That will all change.

Sorry about the mini rant, thank you for listening I just needed to vent.

Electric wire would help too. I just got done wiring my coops, now it looks like I am ready for velociraptors! Lol

 

[rosemarythyme]

Invest in an auto door. No they're not perfect and yes you still should make checks to see that it's functioning properly, but on the off occasion that you can't get out in time to shut the door, at least that's one thing that should take care of itself.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

I'm not sure how big he made the vents, but if they're larger I would cover them with 1/4" or 1/2" hardware cloth. Anything 3/4" or larger I cover.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm not sure how big he made the vents, but if they're larger I would cover them with 1/4" or 1/2" hardware cloth. Anything 3/4" or larger I cover.

I'd cover anything larger than 1/2". I found a dead rat with its head stuck in a 1/2" gap, if it had been any larger it would've gotten through.

 

[aart]

I'd cover anything larger than 1/2". I found a dead rat with its head stuck in a 1/2" gap, if it had been any larger it would've gotten through.

I thought if they could get their heads thru the rest could get thru.....but not always.

 

[rosemarythyme]

That's what I figured as well, until I found it. It was such a tight fit that after wedging the head through, it either strangled itself in the opening or was trapped long enough to freeze to death (there was snow built up on it). Worst part was I had to "unstick" it.

 

[sawilliams]

Invest in an auto door. No they're not perfect and yes you still should make checks to see that it's functioning properly, but on the off occasion that you can't get out in time to shut the door, at least that's one thing that should take care of itself.

Thank you, yes they are covered.

 

[aart]

Worst part was I had to "unstick" it.

ACK!!