New BYC member

[chickiegirlsmom]

Hello. I just found BYC today. I was on the internet, looking for info about chicken predators. We have had our girls for three months. We lost one today. Not sure what got her. Sad day. We have allowed them to free range during the day in the yard. I am wondering if we need to change tactics.

Looking forward to learning a lot about chickens.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! Sorry about the loss of your girl to a predator. Predator proofing your flock is very important and you might want to check out our section on Predators and Pests at https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center/tag/predators-and-pests/ Good luck in protecting the remainder of your flock.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

So sorry for your loss.

It is never easy to lose them in any way.

Sometimes if you have too many predators, you can't free range them. I can only free range with supervision as we have so many things lurking and flying.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Sorry about the loss of your hen, unfortunately free-ranging usually does lead to losses. Michael O'Shay gave you the link to the Predators forum to check out. Hope you are able to figure out what predator you have and deal with it.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

So sorry for your loss!!!

 

[gander007]

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to BYC. I know you have to expect some losses to predators if you free range but, most of the sad stories on here concern predators getting into the coop or run. I think you stand a better chance of massacres when birds are confined (coop/run) because they can't escape.

I think the best you can do is really fortify your coop and run, and if possible supervise any free ranging or have a livestock guardian dog accompany them.