Something got half my chickens

[junebuggena]

Sadly, now you have learned why chickens need to be shut inside the coop each and every night. Coons can reach right through that fencing. Mink and weasels can go right through the gaps.

 

[ericagrigsby]

The coop itself does not have a top. The coop sits inside the entire run, with a metal roof over the entire thing. I just finished putting up 3' of hardware cloth down the bottom portion, bought an extra roll to put across the coop too. Didn't get the coop top finished because it started storming but I plan to finish that part tomorrow. Installed a door in the coop with a lock. I am hoping (fingers crossed) that nothing will be able to get thru the poultry netting at the top. The openings are small so I hope I'm not wrong & they will be safe tonight until I can finish the hardware cloth on the coop top tomorrow. Thank you all so much for the tips, first timer here & ive already learned some very hard lessons. My boys were upset to find out their cockerel was gone this morning. I don't think electric fencing is an option at this point since we have to young boys & our family dog running around the yard all day. Thanks again, I'll let u know in the am how it went

 

[centrarchid]

I am betting the chicks were actually walking about perimeter of pen during the night as they were not yet acclimated to the new location. Chicks would have been scattered about edge of pen and easily grabbed through 2 x 4 wire from outside. If that is correct, then ID of predator not that important. Get birds to roost away from pen perimeter immediately. If they were dispersed in pen, then they likely produced distressed sounds calling predators in.

 

[ericagrigsby]

All remaining chicks are alive & well this morning e