Really watch for predators now

[Mrs. K]

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

 

[MommyGirl]

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 for your loss

 

[Mrs. K]

Thank you, I was quite surprised when I went down to put them up for the night. Nothing is left - a sign of coyotes. Dang it.

 

[Jenbirdee]

I am so sorry -

 

[Mrs. K]

This time of year, the young predators are looking for an easy meal, and free ranging chickens are an easy meal. So even if you don't think you have predators, you might need to keep closer eyes on them.

 

[McChooky]

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

I'm sorry for your loss ! My dogs are trained to watch my chickens but one day I let my chickens out before I let the dogs out . That mistake cost me two young hens. Lesson learned!

 

[Mrs. K]

Our dog had gone ranching with my husband. He has made a difference. And so has a good run. I think it was young coyotes, probably a little desperate, lock down now. But really I was not that impressed with my rooster but he must of rallied to the charge.

 

[GirlsHuntToo]

So sorry for your loss!

 

[McChooky]

Our dog had gone ranching with my husband. He has made a difference. And so has a good run. I think it was young coyotes, probably a little desperate, lock down now. But really I was not that impressed with my rooster but he must of rallied to the charge.

He must have liked that hen

 

[Mrs. K]

Of course she was a good layer.