Could also be a fox. I'd start closing up the coops. I have a trap you could borrow but don't think you wanna drive 2+ hours to get it.
If it IS a fox you could wake up tomorrow to NO chickens so if you can't find a trap, put a fan in the coop and shut it up tight.
I know its not a fox, I've have a red fox and he only comes around in the daytime, and can't climb the fence. When he has managed to steal a chicken, while I let them free range, he takes it off to feed the family. Fox don't eat it on site. Needless to say, I don't let my chickens free range anymore. I see the fox, he is bold enough to come up within 50 feet of my barn, and looks around. I chase him off. I will lock everyone up tonight, and tomorrow probably buy a trap. I suppose where there is one, there are probably more waiting in the wings...no pun intended! LOLCould also be a fox. I'd start closing up the coops. I have a trap you could borrow but don't think you wanna drive 2+ hours to get it.
Everyone else seems ok so far. One more day to go!the girls will be fine in the heat. You need to close the door. I have 2 traps and use them every night. They have been REALLY busy catching critters after the mild winter we had.
That's one good thing about my ghetto store - we have excellent A/C. It's around 70 degrees in the pharmacy today, and not much warmer in the store. I love these days, as we can give people any wait time we like, and they tell us "please - take your time!" It was crazy busy, but everyone is so grateful for the air that nobody complains.
I have a third new peeper - Lenore (she's named after the woman in "The Raven") has done very well! They're stomping all over their enclosure and are as bold as brass already. I love the broody-raised chicks.
The Original Peeps are adapting nicely to my sister's house. They've taken a shine to my 18-year-old nephew, and ride around on his shoulder. She says she can't wait for more. I'm an enabler - what can I say?
Everyone survived today very nicely. I refilled all their waterers with nice, cold water when I got home, which they appreciated, and fed them an old, ice-crystal-filled bag of frozen blueberries I had. They had a cruddy little fan last year, but the thing is coated with dust and probably won't run, so I'll have to get them a new one. I do have a fairly cheap twin fan unit in my bedroom window that can pull air in or blow it out, or do exchanges (one in, one out). They may end up getting that this evening, as I also have an A/C and I can always buy a new one for myself.
It has been CRAZY! moving the goat yard, hatching chicks and pheasants (got some for sale if anyone needs some) hatching Call ducks for a friend and Mandarins for me(ended up with two whites!) Kids are ending school, planning vacation to Assateague, MD in July. And still driving school bus and working at the high school in between. Oh, and yard and garden work too. Kids sports & plays. I am lucky to get indoors by 10 and bed by 11pm. 5 am is early to get up for work.Oh and I am having an "adult ladies" home sales party at my house Saturday. If any ADULT ladies are interested PM me. PHEW!
Welcome! Loads of great peeps and info here!
Friend just lost 6 or 7 Call ducks and another friends lost 5 hens just this week. Dang coons!
A/C in the store does make people a bit calmer when its scorching hot out. I put a box fan in the window, on the shaded side of the barn to hopefully blow in a little cooler air.
Stay cool tomorrow it will be another HOT one.
