Something really weird is happening

[mjdtexan]

I went out to let the pullets out this morning. I start out by opening the people door and walking in. The coop is divided to where there is a little room as soon as you walk into the building. I have chicken wire dividing the the tack room from them. Anyway, as soon as I walked in I could see that they were all terrified. Normally, they hear my approach and you can hear them jumping off of the roosting limbs and running to the pop door. They watch me get their feeders and I walk back outside. They know I am going to open the pop door at this point. Not this time, they were all huddled in the corner just about beating each other up trying to get to the fartherest part of that corner.

I let them out. They normally come running out in search of their freedom and their feeders. This morning they were real tenative about sticking their head out the door..

Any ideas?

Mike D

 

[Jenski]

Trust them. You might take a second look around, maybe even check for tracks.

We had an owl take a songbird the other night right next to my bantam coop. I am sure my little ones heard the commotion outside. . .

 

[congdon476]

I agree- there is something, somewhere in the coop... or at least there was!

 

[Wynette]

Definitely a predator of some sort, either outside or INside the coop. Check around, and GOOD LUCK finding the intruder!!

 

[PortageGirl]

Or UNDER the coop... look for holes and tunnels too!

 

[omelette'smom]

If possible-try to go out tomorrow earlier than you did today-if it's a certain pattern that the possible predator takes than it's probably going to be around the same time-you might be able to see it (or shoot it or smash it with a shovel) If you're home today than keep checking on them. I'd be spooked and prepare myself to go to bat for them. Good luck!!

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Chickens not running out to eat, man something had them spooked. I hope you figure out what it is real soon. We have had to kill two foxes in the last couple of months but I lost several hens sitting on biddies at night before we got them. Some of my birds free range, the ones I can't catch anyway.

Is your coop close enough that you could use baby monitors to listen in and hear whats going on or a carera. Then you might have a chance to catch whatever has them scared. Good luck, I know how scared my babies were when Mr. and Mrs. fox showed up. Let us know if you figure out the mystery.

 

[the1much]

tonight after their all ta bed, clear out a spot by brushing the shavings and things towards the walls,, spread out some flour,, could do the same thing outside in front of their door.

 

[LynneP]

You may be able to prevent a serious attack. Check everything- under bedding, seams, eaves, possible tunnels. Your hens have doubtless been scoped by something ready to come back.

 

[chilling in muscadine]

Quote:
What is the flour for? Track marks

School me Jim