Lost 3 of 4 chicks :(

[fleenorfarmmom]

I know it doesn't help much, but I've lost entire flocks of chickens 4 times. We lost the first two bunches to foxes or something. The third bunch were dominiques that were almost grown and killed in the middle of the day in their chain link doglot run. The last time I moved the chickens from their safe tractor to the chicken house that I thought was equally safe. They made it 4-5 days and on Saturday morning I went out to feed them and found 12 headless bodies. A weasel had come in thru a knot hole in the floor and killed them all but two. Speck is my sole survivor roo and one black hen made it. I was so sad and angry at myself for letting something happen to them.
But now I have two houses full of new chicks and chickens and I love them. They are so much fun, but I still miss my others. I don't let myself get attached to them like I was, but I try really hard to care for them and keep them as safe as possible. I'm sorry for your loss. Remember you are not alone in your grief, and learn from your mistakes.

 

[Robin'sBrood]

Jessa, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm new to chickens too, my babies are 10 and 11 weeks old now and have been in the mini coop for about 6 weeks.

My husband built the same coop for me for my birthday in May. We used 1x2" welded wire all over. In addition to the bungee cords, I cut some clothes line cord that I tie around the doors to make sure they are very, very tight and secure. Here are some pictures of my motherearthnews mini coop.

Maybe you can go back over yours with some smaller chicken wire or hardware cloth to make it more secure. And even though it didn't mention this part in the plans, don't forget to add something on the top to give them shade or they can get very hot in there if they're in full sun. Best wishes to you!