Official BYC Poll: The Worst Predator

[gator75]

Finally got my coop and run finished for my mother. On the second night already have had a cayote and a skunk attempt break-ins. Beginning to think that the location (on the water near wooded area) is just not going to work. She's been wanting them for awhile, but being woken up every night to screaming chickens may not be worth it. Good new is I live in the city limits and in my yard, the most harmless animal will be a squirrel or rarely a coon...

Advice? If the cayote can't get in (very durable well built run and coop), will they give up and quit?

Photos:

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Depends how hungry they are.
I once saw a video of a fox get into a coop that had a 10' high fence with electric fencing at the base and at the top. It worked for over a half hour till it succeeded.

 

[hockeydad6791]

I'd say dogs cuz I've lost more to a family of coons in a few days but the neighbors dog did it in a few min.

 

[madscience]

I have only had my chickens for a little over a month, no casualties yet. We have had two bears come across the property and run strait past the coop without even looking at it. My land is mostly cleared with just a few scattered pines and palms, so they just want to get across it and into the adjacent woods as quick as they can. I know there are spotted skunks(the smaller ones) around and coons, possum, bobcats, and florida panthers. So far the only ones I've seen on my land are bear and skunks though. I have a dog who is good at barking and running everything off. I know it is just a matter of time until I lose one though. Racoons are by far responsible for the most chicken casualties in this area based on what I have heard from friends and neighbors.

 

[BarredRockGirls]

im completely freaked out now. we have EVERYTHING on that poll here in NE OHIO and ive only had my girls about 4 weeks - 15 barred rocks. im getting 4 ducks on Tuesday . i am planing to let them free range but i guess i never really thought about this part of it! ahhhhhhh

total freak out mode right now . idk what id do if i lost any of them

............... needless to say i didnt vote .

 

[D Kluck]

...you will be ok...just keep a rifle or shot-gun handy...

 

[magaha8]

I had a raccoon climb up my really nice coop, with chicken wire going underground, and he found a little hole and ate 3 of my hens, but I got him back. I found him in the coop and took a pitch fork and killed him

 

[laseterlass]

I had a raccoon climb up my really nice coop, with chicken wire going underground, and he found a little hole and ate 3 of my hens, but I got him back. I found him in the coop and took a pitch fork and killed him

I hope you made a hat out if him.

 

[ozarkchicks]

coons are the worst according to most people I know around here

 

[Ladybug2001]

To me it is dogs. I've lost seven chickens to dogs. I've had coyotes try to get my chickens but couldnt