Up til now we've had plenty of varmints to worry with; rats, weasels, skunk, black snakes, 'possum, 'coon, stray dogs, red and gray fox, hawks, owls, feral cats. Enter the coyote. A few nights ago I heard 'em for the second time this year. Sounds like five or six - can't be sure. One thing I can be sure of, 12 guage double ought buckshot kept nearby just in case. I am just finishing my chicken facilities and am now working on the outside run. You can bet it will be solid as a fort when finished. Just another thing to cause me more work and worry, and delay in getting my chickens. Hrmph. Too many people fail to understand the cunning and strength and variety of chicken killers lurking out there. That's why there are so many sad stories about loss. Don't cut corners when building your coop. I always say if I can't break in it myself, it is getting close to being safe. Many of the dangerous animals I've mentioned need but the smallest hole to squeeze into - much smaller than many people can imagine. Over the years, I've learned the hard way.