Look what we caught in our trap....

[featherhead007]

Yes, and they can squeeze through very small openings. So your comment on the hardware cloth is absolutely correct. I'm so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately this is how many people learn what predators they really have and what predator proof really means.

Hard, sad lesson!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I know that I guess my phone knows better. I will have to do better checking. Thanks

No offense meant. I sometimes forget about auto correct.
There are those that don't know the difference.

 

[Lilyput]

We bought a trap yesterday at Tractor Supply after the hen coop got wiped out 2 nights ago (12 birds). There is a 2.5" gap over the door where the panel bends. This morning we found this. Looks to be an American mink? I was guessing racoons so boy was I surprised. Hard lesson learned. Every inch of coop needs hardware cloth on it.

View attachment 1965468

Maybe you should raise mink instead of chickens! All joking aside, very sorry for your loss. Sorry you had to learn the hard way. I've been there and done that and it's very painful! Good luck.

 

[gimmie birdies]

UT did you lose your ID chickens?

 

[gimmie birdies]

I am ordering birds in Feb. UT- did you still have her address? we can order at the same time again...

 

[Beaglegal]

We bought a trap yesterday at Tractor Supply after the hen coop got wiped out 2 nights ago (12 birds). There is a 2.5" gap over the door where the panel bends. This morning we found this. Looks to be an American mink? I was guessing racoons so boy was I surprised. Hard lesson learned. Every inch of coop needs hardware cloth on it.

View attachment 1965468

I had no idea Utah had wild mink. I know there was a mink farm in Draper area many years ago... I wonder if they escape?

 

[ValerieJ]

I had no idea Utah had wild mink. I know there was a mink farm in Draper area many years ago... I wonder if they escape?

As adept as they are at breaking in, they must be pretty adept at breaking out too.

 

[16chicks]

I had a flock wiped out by some predator. Now redoing coop/run before I try again. I am putting hardwire cloth everywhere. Also learning to walk perimeter. Gonna try to teach my girls to come when call. Learning to butcher so if need be, I will eat them and not some strange predator.

 

[Lori J]

Wow, I didn’t know anyone could keep a coop for so long. I hope next time in the future that mink will fail to get into the coop.

7 years is a long time for a coup?

 

[ValerieJ]

7 years is a long time for a coup?

Hey....7 years is a long time for a coop??? DH is building one that I want to be our last...so, is my coop going to last the rest of my life, or am I a goner in 7 years?