Hello, new as a member here, From northern Vermont.
We just lost our 5 hens & RIR roo last nite to a weasel We suspect.... little hole, no more that 1 1/2" next to where My power cord went in for the heated water dish, Most birds in tact except one that had been decapitated.... sad day :-( the girls were an Aracuana cross, A silkie a RIR & 2 ASR sexlinks. I've been following backyard chickens on social media (facebook) and gained a multitude of helpful advice
I had raised pheasant Quail & meet birds years ago, & then with young kids, ended up getting busy in other areas of life. We actually had some trouble with roaming dogs & predators back then which was kinda of rough for then pre-school aged kids.
After today's experience I am more determined than ever to build a safe (AKA predator proof) coop for our next flock. We had a year of fun & fresh eggs with our flock and definitely hooked on raising chickens.
We also have 2 cats & a dog (a rescued Chihuahua)
We just lost our 5 hens & RIR roo last nite to a weasel We suspect.... little hole, no more that 1 1/2" next to where My power cord went in for the heated water dish, Most birds in tact except one that had been decapitated.... sad day :-( the girls were an Aracuana cross, A silkie a RIR & 2 ASR sexlinks. I've been following backyard chickens on social media (facebook) and gained a multitude of helpful advice
I had raised pheasant Quail & meet birds years ago, & then with young kids, ended up getting busy in other areas of life. We actually had some trouble with roaming dogs & predators back then which was kinda of rough for then pre-school aged kids.
After today's experience I am more determined than ever to build a safe (AKA predator proof) coop for our next flock. We had a year of fun & fresh eggs with our flock and definitely hooked on raising chickens.
We also have 2 cats & a dog (a rescued Chihuahua)