- Apr 23, 2014
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We moved into our house May 2014. I promptly lost my flock to an unknown predator. In talking to neighbors we think it was a fox. Spent the next two months reinforcing my coop (hardware cloth up and out from the base, etc). Moved a new flock in July 2014. Girls have been doing great. No predator problems. Kept warm over the cold winter. Fast forward to May, 2015, I lost one hen Friday night. Saturday, I reinforced some small gaps I saw. This morning I went out and another hen was dead. The only place I can see where the predator is getting in is through the gap between the top of the coop and the barn rafters (my coop is part of a barn and not free standing). I live in Illinois southeast of St. Louis. Is it possible that fox are getting in through the gap in the rafters? I saw a red fox in our front yard about 2 weeks ago. I plan on fencing that off tonight, setting a live trap and saying a prayer. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I know there are short-term solutions (i.e. shot gun), but I need to figure this out because if not, it's going to happen every year around this time. I'm sick about losing my girls. Thanks in advance. sad Chickengirl64.