New to raising chickens

[kimberlye]

Hi,
I am new to raising chickens. I have 7 chickens right now; (2 chicks that are 6-7 weeks old). I free range them. I have 4 silkies, 1 americana and 1 bantam. My favorite part is the fresh eggs; but I enjoy watching them, and like having them roaming around the yard eating the bugs/ticks. One thing I have noticed is their food disappearing quickly to find that squirrels and chipmunks are entering the coop and helping themselves all day long. Was wondering what I could do about that?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC and congrats on your new hobby. Maybe posting your question, with accompanying pics of your set-up on this forum would be best - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/predators-and-pests.13/

Here are some links to useful resources:

• List of guides on how to use the site - “How to...” guides
• Great go-to resource - Learning Centre
• Good starting point for browsing the site - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue
• Excellent sources of local information - U.S. States

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Perris]

hello @kimberlye ! welcome to BYC
I can't answer your question but I'm sure someone who can will be along soon

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I've actually never had to deal with that problem as my birds come and go from the coop regularly and like to drive off anything in their paths.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Sorry I can't imagine how to stop them

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops.

What exactly did you Google to get here? <<<<<<<<<<<

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[NonnasBabies]

Welcome!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUN-omenal community! Best wishes and have lots of FUN!

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!!

Wish I could help you, but never had that one. I would do what @Pork Pie suggested, as you'll probably get more help!

Feel free to check out the links below for some interesting reading. Good luck on your adventures!​

 

[Shadrach]

Hello kimberlye.
Welcome to BYC.
I free range. I don't leave food out at all, not in the coops particularly. As you've noticed, the feed attracts rodents. I feed supervised three times a day. Each feed takes about 15 minutes. This may sound like an unnecessary task but I'm able to make sure all in each group (ihave 4 groups) get fed properly and more often than not I get to see who poops what which is a great help when trying to keep an eye on their health.