second flock

[boondockers]

Greeting!
So glad we found this forum and looking forward to getting to know as many as possible and learning even more. Growing up with chickens was easy. Your task was to fed and collect eggs, never giving much thought to nutrition, etc. We lost our last flock to a predator. Likely a weasel, so I'm constantly on high alert. We have a small flock of 4 and 1 zany duck. Our duck is the only survivor from the attack, and it's nothing short of a miracle she made it. Everyone lives in a peaceful coexistence in a chicken tractor with two portable enclosures so there's always an abundance of fresh grasses . Pullets could start laying as soon as next month, but I can't seem to get past this constant fear of another attack. We keep two baited traps out 24/7, but that won't stop a weasel. Last year we captured and released 28 raccoon. Other than trying to reconstruct Fort Knox, is there any way to weasel proof? Or am I asking the impossible? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Sorry about the loss of your first flock, hope all goes well with the new one. You might want to check out the Predator forum https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/13/predators-and-pests there are a number of threads on weasel traps https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/192721/weasel-trap

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! Best of luck to you, Kelsie gave you great advice.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

So sorry about your flock. Kelsie has left you with some good links to follow for help. But we do welcome you to BYC!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[boondockers]

Thank you so much for the links! I'm headed over right now to make as many notes as possible. Husband is going to love more work....ha! And, I appreciate the warm welcome! I wasn't sure if I had done the right thing to become a member, or become a professional lurker

 

[gander007]

 

[boondockers]

Update: Just posted on another thread. I feel so badly for the flock owner. A weasel attack was sad enough, but whatever emaciated his/her bird is unimaginable. The last three nights (while the birds are inside the coop) something has been crawling on top of one of the enclosures. This morning it was completely caved in. It's not a raccoon. We've had far too much experience with those nasty things, so took the plunge and purchased a night camera. It should be here by Tuesday. Who knows who will sleep until then, but come hay or high water, we're going to find out what's after our coop. I don't want to offend anyone since I'm new, but my sympathetic days are over. Both traps are set for tonight with cat food. Maybe that will help as opposed to using artificial eggs, which was recommended.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Good luck in eliminating the potential predator.

 

[drumstick diva]

I'm a professional worry wart. I learned from my mother and got so good at it she retired from it and let me take over. I am worried about what is getting on the roof of your coop also? Do you think it could be a large owl hoping to find a way inside? Some people use a few strings of electric fencing - near ground level, mid height and near the top of the run to keep critters at bay.

You can also put a baby monitor inside the coop, if your house isn't real far away. That way you can hear if there is any disturbance inside. Relocating raccoons doesn't help (and it's illegal in some areas) they will find their way back. Hope you put an end to the predator that is responsible for this.