Keeping your flock safe from predators

[mautri]

I recently lost 2 of my 5 Rhode island reds. The first disappeared without any sign the second just the other night and clearly was dragged over my 5' wire fence and taken away.
I feel now that even though I went to great lengths to provide shelter and what I thought was a secure fenced chicken yard, chickens are not safe unless completely locked up in the hen house at night.
Without a way to run and fly away from the "Raccoon" they are literally sitting ducks. So now I have to got out and lock my girls up in the coop every night.
Hard lesson learned....one of my 3 surviving chickens looks like she was also attacked by the way she is behaving. No signs of wounds that I can see so Im thinking she may have been bitten under her feathers or injured herself fighting back. She walks slowly, barely eating or drinking...it's sad. Im not sure what to do for her at this time? She's my biggest, toughest girl...always looking out for the flock. Any suggestions?

It's August now. My sad hen made a full recovery. I still have all 3 girls and lock them up at night now. I also have bought 5 more chickens they are 4 months old and nearly the same size as my large Rhode island reds. I started them in my shed with the heat lamp and moved them into the big pen with a fenced off area so they can be near the other hens but are separated. I cut two slits in the chicken wire that separate the chickens so I can slide part of the food and water buckets through. Today 8/5/14 is the first time I allowed the little girls out of the chicken yard to free range. They are smart and sticking close by and very excited to be able to forage. Raising chickens is fun. I learn more and more each day. : D

 

[TwoCrows]

Thanks for the update! I am glad your hen made a full recovery. Enjoy your flock!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Glad to hear the hen made a full recovery! Good luck with your flock additions, sounds like Chicken Math has struck again!

 

[drumstick diva]

If you free range you have to expect some losses to predators. If you put a cover on your run, you will prevent preds from climbing over the fence, dropping down from trees branches or dive bombing them from above (hawks). A cover will also protect somewhat from rain, ice, snow, falling branches, and provide shade.

Raccoons have opposable thumbs and can open any latch you can. They are extremely clever , determined and pretty much unafraid of humans lurking near by.They are one of the most despicable predators. If they can reach any body part they will pull through a fence and eat it on the spot. causing great damage, shock and often death. Chicken wire is like tissue paper to any predator worth his salt. It only keeps chickens IN, doesn't keep any predators OUT.