New members, 1st day here

[TheRoths]

Hello everyone,

This is our first day here, found the site while looking for help with a sick chick. What a wealth of information and experience there is here!

We had our last flock for 4 years and all were taken out by a weasel about a month ago - a horrific experience and something we never want to see again! We didn't even know there were weasels in our area. I guess we were lucky that it took 4 years to find us.

Just taken delivery last week of 25 Red Rangers for meat birds and 7 new layers - 7 different breeds so should be good fun to see how they all grow up.

We are working on renovating/upgrading/bomb/weasel proofing our coop these past two weeks and are building a new run for them with a mini jungle gym and swing for the days when they can't free range. Can't wait for it all to be finished

We hope to 'meet' lots of you over time and contribute as and when

Best wishes
The Roths

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC and good luck with the new chicks. That weasel will very likely return so be diligent.

 

[TheRoths]

Thank you for the welcome

We are trying to get the coop 'reinforced'. The run is being rebuilt with 1/2 inch fencing and the coop door will have metal bases by the end of this week. The coop itself is 2 rooms with a porch, and is made from 6" x 4"'s in a log cabin style, There are 4 windows, all with screens, all lockable. Its a pretty strong coop on the whole.

We think it came in under the main door which has a 1 1/2 - 2 inch gap under it. It was never a problem until now I am hoping our idea of a fitted metal base to the door will be enough to stop it in its tracks. We are also thinking that maybe we will put a weasel trap down this week and see if we can capture it. If we do catch it I guess we will be going for a very long drive to the middle of nowhere...

 

[sourland]

Think twice before releasing it - weasels like almost all wild animals have a strong 'homing instinct', and once captured and released they become trap shy/smart.

 

[TheRoths]

OK thinking cap is on, thank you for the info. If it comes down to the weasel or my chicks, I know who I want to win the next round.

 

[drumstick diva]

A couple of my BYC friends in different states have recently had flocks massacred by weasels. They are horrible and get can through the smallest openings.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!