Hey there: I am a newbie to Back yard chickens and one of my chickens got killed by a raccoon tonight. I am so sad but I am really sad for her pal. I was just integrating the 2 younger chickens(4 months into a flock of 4 - 6 month olds) and they were doing fine now her sleeping buddy is gone and I don't know if I should just continue with the integration ( the older ones pecked at times, but also were getting along fine in my yard). should I get her another friend her age and hope they will become pals or should I just let her make friends with the remaining 4 older ones? I would love to hear some suggestions from anyone who has had a similar experience, thanks so much loving having chickens
I would continue with the integration. Adding a new chicken would most likely just stir up more uneasiness and pecking. Your primary concern now should be the raccoon - how to shore up your coop and eliminate the predator. Good luck.
I agree, continue your integration and get rid of that raccoon! If you catch him, please don't trap and release. Raccoons are rarely trapped a second time. If you trap him and let him go somewhere else, you've given someone else a problem raccoon that can't be trapped. Not a neighborly thing to do.
