Please help!! 11 dead chickens

[strick62]

Last pic the day we put the girls in their new coop. Just wanted everyone to see the hardware cloth.

 

[houseofknauss]

Last pic the day we put the girls in their new coop. Just wanted everyone to see the hardware cloth.

I see, I guess my recommendation would be not to put hardware cloth on the bottom of your coop just for the fact it makes it easier for predators. solid flooring would be good, a layer of play sand and then some shavings on the top. it is very easy to clean. I know everyone does it a little different in different parts of the country. mine is right on the ground, but I am in new York state.

however, please note that my grow out pen(not pictured), is off the ground but there is no way for any animals to get underneath because I have it all fenced in tight. my hardware cloth is on the whole right side of my coop and gets covered in the winter
this coop houses my ducks and chickens(8x18)

good luck and hopefully you will get some more ideas from other byc people!!

 

[strick62]

My husband and son are replacing the hardware cloth section as I post. Only 1/2 the floor (area above the roosts ) was cloth. The other 4' X 8' section was solid.They are replacing with 3/4 inch plywood. We thought we had a very secure coop. My poor girls..sigh

 

[strick62]

 

[aart]

So, no pics of the damaged HC?

That would really help determine what got in...and others would like to see it.

 

[lovingmyhens]

I'm so sorry for your loss! I've only had my hens for two weeks but after the time and money and emotion I'd be devastated if something happened to them. You have a fine looking coop and hopefully the reinforcements will keep out the unwanted from now on.

 

[strick62]

 

[strick62]

 

[strick62]

 

[strick62]

Sorry I am kind of late in posting these. They are the best of the shots of entry point I could get.I have posted 3 shots. My husband and son reinforced the coop today. .now has a solid wood floor. I was able to purchase 5 sussex hens this afternoon so was really busy earlier.
Any ideas Guys and Gals? I hope you can see ok.