Really watch for predators now

[Mrs. K]

Today, it really is amazing how taking out two birds changes the dynamics of the flock. Gramma Feathers, with 3 four day old chicks at her feet, is keeping the 3 teen age cockerels in line.

I knew I was getting over crowded, and had plans for reducing the flock at the end of September, but pulling out two makes a difference even when they are in complete lock down.

It will be interesting to see how those cockerels will develop now without Long Johns.

 

[McChooky]

Today, it really is amazing how taking out two birds changes the dynamics of the flock. Gramma Feathers, with 3 four day old chicks at her feet, is keeping the 3 teen age cockerels in line.

I knew I was getting over crowded, and had plans for reducing the flock at the end of September, but pulling out two makes a difference even when they are in complete lock down.

It will be interesting to see how those cockerels will develop now without Long Johns.

One of my hens flew into the side of our house (fleeing from a predator) last year so I locked them up all winter and soon as I started free ranging again (this spring ) something got 2 of my youngest hens. Sometimes you'll go a long time between losses but sometimes you can't.Losing my rooster would be devastating! He's the only one I've got.(I don't have any cockerels in my flock) Sorry for your loss!

 

[We love chooks]

So sorry for your loss

So sorry to hear. Hope your okay.

 

[FrostRanger]

Sorry for your loss. I am confident that Grandma Feathers will whip those cockerels into shape. From how you described her elsewhere she certainly seems more than up to the task

 

[Bawkbok]

I'm so sorry that happened to you (and your birds). Hugs

 

[ShrekDawg]

So sorry

 

[WaterfowlsPoultry]

Sorry for your loss.

Coyotes are real mean, They took my two beloved ducks so I have a real bone to pick with those darn forest dogs.

 

[Annie6oh]

I live in rough country. Neighbors are miles away and without a doubt, we have predators. I am pretty sure it was young coyotes. Today, I lost my rooster Long Johns, and a hen. Long John was too big for an eagle or a hawk. Dang it. Have not had a loss in a long time. I don't let them out at the same time each day. Sometimes I don't let them out at all. Sometimes most of the day.

Now, I will go into lock down. I will stay in lock down for probably 3 weeks. This is why, while it is nice to free range, let them out and scratch and peck, predators and weather, will keep you locked up, and that is why one needs to have a coop and run that will fit the flock 24/7.

Dang it. Long Johns was on my cull list, but not the year old hen. Dang it. Now I have to rethink that whole plan.

Mrs K

So sad to hear your news. We lost a chicken early this summer to a hungry fox. We have also had three chicken hawks around all summer. This has forced us to keep the chickens in their coup, unless we are out to watch them carefully. My rooster - Doodledoo helps keep an eye out too!

 

[Nanook33]

I live in rough country. Neighbors are miles away and without a doubt, we have predators. I am pretty sure it was young coyotes. Today, I lost my rooster Long Johns, and a hen. Long John was too big for an eagle or a hawk. Dang it. Have not had a loss in a long time. I don't let them out at the same time each day. Sometimes I don't let them out at all. Sometimes most of the day.

Now, I will go into lock down. I will stay in lock down for probably 3 weeks. This is why, while it is nice to free range, let them out and scratch and peck, predators and weather, will keep you locked up, and that is why one needs to have a coop and run that will fit the flock 24/7.

Dang it. Long Johns was on my cull list, but not the year old hen. Dang it. Now I have to rethink that whole plan.

Mrs K

So sorry Mrs K. We have coyotes here, too--in numbers. We also have weasels, foxes, hawks & squirrel families. The squirrels just eat the feed from the chickens & pigeons during the day & don't really bother the birds. However, the weasels, hawks & foxes have tried to get our birds (they did not get them) but have successfully gotten neighbors chickens that are loose or in accessible housing. As much as we would like to allow free range, we don't. We use chain link fencing with wire covered tops & small wire ground level for all pens. We are dealing with 7 hens & a rooster, "Buddy". The chicken run is 20' X 10'. Good luck to you-I hope you find a solution.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have a chain link coop and run too and we are in 24/7 lock down and will be so for weeks…I just love to let them out. I don’t let them out all the time or at the same time, some days not at all, it was the first hit for quite some time. If you free range you risk it.