New to Backyard Chickens

[OneBrahma]

Hello!

We're new to chickens and new to this site.
A week ago we had 19 healthy, pretty seven-week-old chicks, but a bear got into the coop and killed 18. Somehow the brahma survived. We have 16 chicks on order now. Any advice as to how we might strengthen our coop to protect against future predators? The brahma has pretty much recovered from the attack, but she only seems to forage when we are out there with her. I've read that brahmas aren't very good foragers anyway. Can a chicken learn to forage?

 

[drumstick diva]

I don't know if a chicken can learn to forage but, some breeds are much better at it than others - like Icelandics. I think the only think that may repel bears is electric fencing and that's only if he isn't really hungry. It should keep other preds away especially neighborhood dogs that run loose & commit mayhem.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, OneBrahma, and

! Pleased you joined us but sorry to hear about your bear attack...I can't even imagine. I suppose now that he knows where the groceries are he'll be back for seconds. Anyway to deal with the bear? Are you allowed to use force to protect your property?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[OneBrahma]

Thank you all for the welcome!

We are told we need a permit to kill the bear. The Game Commission told us our mistake was leaving food in the coop; the bear was attracted by the sweet smell. I guess it went for the chickens because there was no more feed left. They also said that we need to install an electric fence. Electric fence it is!