Leghorn yearling only survivor after bear attack

[donnamanion7]

About a month ago, a very strong determined bear broke into our coop in the middle of the night, killing and stealing 3 of our 4 chickens. Incredibly, our leghorn escaped. She seems lost without her flock. Can another chicken or 2 be brought here, from another flock, and create a new flock of 2 or 3?

 

[DobieLover]

Yes, you can bring in more chickens.
But first you need to rebuild your coop and run so it is bear proof.
I have bear that have destroyed bird feeders before I got my chickens. Because of that, part of my predator proofing includes two hot wires around the coop and HC enclosed run. They are powered by a 10K volt/1.2 Joule output charger and the wires set at 12 and 24 inches up (where the bear is likely to sniff on it's approach to the coop).
I have yet to have any issues with predators.

 

[Compost King]

Bears are something I would hate to have to proof a coop from, they can tear boards off.

 

[DobieLover]

Bears are something I would hate to have to proof a coop from, they can tear boards off.

Not if they are running in the opposite direction from the coop after getting a nasty jolt to the nose!

 

[townchicks]

Sorry for your loss. Your girl definitely needs some buddies, make the introduction gradually, however. There are good threads on here regarding introductions. I don't have to deal with bears here, fortunately, but from what I hear, electric wire is about the only thing to keep them out.

 

[donnamanion7]

This bear ripped out a strong wire window and the window frame, 9" x 17". At 3:30 a.m. my son swears he saw the bear coming out of the coop with one of my Buffs in his mouth. Even if he only reached paws in, the interior of the coop was upside down, and my other 2 faithful chickens slashed open - a horror scene.

 

[DobieLover]

This bear ripped out a strong wire window and the window frame, 9" x 17". At 3:30 a.m. my son swears he saw the bear coming out of the coop with one of my Buffs in his mouth. Even if he only reached paws in, the interior of the coop was upside down, and my other 2 faithful chickens slashed open - a horror scene.

That is horrible! Can you post pictures of your coop? Maybe we can give some pointers on how to rebuild.

 

[booth2010]

Is bear proof even a thing? Unless built like a house I would imagine a bear will rip through most things if determined. Good luck though! Sorry that happened.

 

[DobieLover]

Is bear proof even a thing? Unless built like a house I would imagine a bear will rip through most things if determined. Good luck though! Sorry that happened.

Yes, it is a thing! It REQUIRES the use of hot wires though. With a strong charger. A solar charger wouldn't have enough power to deter a bear.

 

[booth2010]

Yes, it is a thing! It REQUIRES the use of hot wires though. With a strong charger. A solar charger wouldn't have enough power to deter a bear.

I was thinking a strong electric shock would be the only way.