Something is getting into our coop and stealing chicks and eggs!

[PattyNH]

That a heck of good question....they certainly could fit thru this mesh:

Good catch, as always! @aart I didn't zoom in to look at the details of the fencing

 

[aart]

Good catch, as always! @aart I didn't zoom in to look at the details of the fencing

I didn't see it until OP just mentioned it today.

 

[rachelsflock]

My rats do the tunneling thing too, and I've killed and cleaned up a lot of them this year, so I know it's them. I always make sure I smash or dig the tunnels back up every day or they try to drag hatchlings, chicks/ducklings, or eggs down or at least towards them. Yes, they could go through wire, but poking holes through your security is more fun.

 

[Rustysflock]

I'm also in the middle of killing rats, but I'll probably be killing them off in mass numbers until the day we move.

We always put food away at night. Leave no leftovers out of any kind. Store feed in metal cans. Sweep and dispose of sweepings daily. Pen birds, use snap rat traps, electric traps, and just one bite poison where appropriate. You'll probably be better off than me, but I have to do all that and kill and kill and kill and kill in order to get eggs and keep ducklings and chicks (due to circumstances beyond my property lines). If you can make your coop impenetrable, do it.

Thank yoj, yes we are oretty much doing this but havent caught one! So disheartening. We have snap traps , himane traps and now put a bait station down but still they’re coming!

 

[Rustysflock]

Sounds like weasel or mink. They are very tenacious and can quickly devastate a flock. We have had problems with weasels - fortunately they can't get into the coop but they did go after them when I chose not to put them in one night. I bought rat traps and a small Have A Heart trap but haven't been able to set them up correctly yet (long story lol). I read to use raw meat in the traps as that is what they are looking for. I have, however, been very vigilant about cooping the girls up EVERY night.

Good luck to your husband on the stake-out!! VERY interested to see what he finds out!

We havent caught anything at it yet! The hunt continues! I cant set the traps either, husband had to do it lol.

 

[Howard E]

Most likely you have rats.....and a lot of them. To give you an idea of what you are up against, and what to do about it.........Good stuff starts on page 2 of the thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rats-when-the-army-went-to-war-on-them.1216226/

If you have the time, do watch all 3 videos. The 2nd one on rat proofing explains all about those tunnels and how rats can dig. The 3rd one on rats in general is informative too.

Videos are old and dated, but every bit as valid today as when they were made.