Not sure how to title this.

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

Everynight around 1:30 am my chickens start going nuts so I walk out to check them everytime to find that theyve flown off the roost and are huddled in differ parts of the run and coop. Theres literally nothing out there I always keep 3 traps set and always keep an eye on them. Im out there within seconds of them panicking. I dont know what to do theyre obviously scared of something but I cant figure out its only been going on a week or so. Nothings changed. My same 4 barn cats are outside (the chickens have known them for the past two years so I know its not them) I have owls, foxes, raccoons, possums, and more but theres literally nothing out there. Its only the same pen of chickens (I have several different coops) Im at the end of my rope. Any suggestions are appreciated. Im open to anything at this point. This has only been going on for about a week or so.

 

[Vickischics]

A Snake????perhaps its bedded in the roosting area! Idk.
Also,, maybe a Bat that flys out from that area.
Im just guessing to help with ideas.
How about a night camera..then you can SEE it.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

A Snake????perhaps its bedded in the roosting area! Idk.
Also,, maybe a Bat that flys out from that area.
Im just guessing to help with ideas.
How about a night camera..then you can SEE it.

I have a flood light right outside of their coop so I can see the run ( and I have flashlights) It could be a snake but I spend a good 10-15 minutes sitting and watching to observe and see if its a rat or something else like that but its always nothing. I currently dont have a camera but if this keeps going on I might have to buy one.

 

[Vickischics]

Yes, after a week of interrupted sleep and sitting there and still not knowing!...my not so crystal ball says...
a camera is in your near future. Lol
Good luck. Hopefully other ideas will be sent.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

Yes, after a week of interrupted sleep and sitting there and still not knowing!...my not so crystal ball says...
a camera is in your near future. Lol
Good luck. Hopefully other ideas will be sent.

Thank you! I feel really bad for my girls but its also hard for me since I dont know what/if something is trying to get in the coop).

 

[Vickischics]

Thank you! I feel really bad for my girls but its also hard for me since I dont know what/if something is trying to get in the coop).

Your correct about that. We try our best to keep things safe.
The Best part is..they are trying to tell you there IS something spooking them. Now. You have to find it.
Or perhaps they're all Laughing at the game because Dad is outside in his robe!!!
Lol

 

[LaFleche]

In case the cameras (I would install one inside your coop too) will not clarify this case you could install hot wire around this coop and on top as well.

 

[cmom]

There is probably a predator lurking looking for an opportunity. You may not see it but I'm sure there is probably one around. I have several game cameras and they have been the best investment I have made. At first I was curious as to what predators roam here especially at night and was surprised. I have seen plenty on the cameras. My coops and pens are very secure but I have electric wires around my coops and pens, concrete under the gates and good heavy duty netting covering all of the pens due to losses from predators in the past. I love my cameras. Good luck...
A coyote.

A fox.

 

[Rldad1]

Game cam

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

Here’s an update. It’s an owl (not sure what kind) I saw it last night messing around that pen and he got 2 of my quail. I’m moving the quail in a different pen tomorrow and hopefully he’ll go away.