Some time yesterday something dug under the fence around my four coops and then tore into two coops. It ate maybe 3 young chickens, then mutilated some, but the strange thing is that when it got into the second coop, all it did was kill all the chickens -- it didn't eat or mutilate them -- just killed for the sake of killing. It had to be strong to open some of the doors it opened but it couldn't be too large or it wouldn't have fit into some of the spaces it got into. It did some heavy damage to one of the coops it couldn't get into so it must have been here for quite some time trying to get them all. I'm just sick. I don't know what to do or how to start over with new chickens. Can I even get chicks at this time of year? I had a variety of breeds. How do you go on after something like this?
If your coop and run area is other wise secure, you might try an L shape apron of wire around the fence. I have used this method for years and it has worked for me. I just come out from the bottom of the fence with a couple of feet of wire buried a few inches deep. When a digging predator hits the wire they can't figure out how to get though it and leaves. My wife plants flowers on top of it and no one it is there. It sounds like you have a large dog at work.
So sorry for your loss . I had a neighbors Jack Russell that did the very thing you just described. Tore some of the chickens to pieces then just killed what it could get for the sake of killing. It chewed a hole through the chicken wire. I bet you have a predator that is a dog. Sorry again for your loss.
I'll try the L shaped wire right away. Thanks for the tip! BTW -- any certain kind/size of wire and how far up and out?
Quote:I agree sounds like a dog got in, if so, it will be back. Can you set up a camera and see whose dog it is? At least that way you can make the owner responsible for any future damage or loss of birds. As for getting chicks, depends on what breeds you want. I know some hatcheries are still selling. Sorry for the loss
Quote: so sorry for you. I've been through this and trust me - you must go on. First beef up your coops, the apron of wire should do it. Is the top covered? Must be covered with PREDATOR PROOF wire/wood/corrugated tin, whatever you can get. My coop door is heavy wood with TWO heavy latches with padlocks, and the 2 windows are covered with hardware cloth which is held on with wood strips nailed all around the 4 sides. I'm thinking it was a raccoon whether you are city, suburb, or country. They are everywhere.
For a skirt, use something the size of welded 2x4 wire or smaller but it has to be strong enough to stop a digging dog
