Squirrel killers?

[jhd9201]

Will this guy be an issue? Didn't know if squirrels would kill 6mo old pullets??

 

[kari_dawn]

It's more likely that he's after the feed you put out for your hens. Prey animals (like squirrels) rarely waste energy killing other animals, especially animals much larger than themselves.

 

[iwiw60]

I highly doubt it, but boy, howdy!! Are you going to go through the feed now that he knows where the "honey pot" is!!

 

[jhd9201]

Ya, bad thing is I just went back out and there are TWO!!! Ugh. Have a huge pecan tree behind a neighbors house, they have a neat in this. Ugh At least I don't have to worry about losing a chick.

 

[jhd9201]

Nest** dumb phone

 

[gawildlife]

Grey's have been documented to eat bird eggs so you might dissuade them from going near the coop. Fliers aka flying squirrels are carnivorous and cannibalistic but being nocturnal and small only eggs and chicks would be at risk.

 

[jhd9201]

Suggestions on how to do that? And how would I know if they are fliers, besides being nocturnal? They jump from tree to tree.

 

[iwiw60]

Suggestions on how to do that? And how would I know if they are fliers, besides being nocturnal? They jump from tree to tree.

Sadly, your setup is an open invitation to predators, especially those squirrels. A total rework of your setup is at hand. Cyclone fencing will do nothing to deter them, and the fact that your 'top' is open? Yeah...open invitation again. Now that the neighborhood squirrels know they have an easy meal you should use 1/2" hardware cloth all around your perimeter walls. As for the top, just putting a garden netting of sorts over it really won't work as they'll chew through that easily...time for a roof, maybe?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...s-how-to-protect-your-chickens-from-squirrels

 

[gawildlife]

I wouldn't worry to much over flying squirrels other than the feed they consume. But like said you need to squirrel proof your setup. I'd start with a treadle feeder for now.

 

[jhd9201]

Ugh. I have the set up for coop at night, range during day. It's an area in back of garage that was initially set for dogs. Not used much and used more for storage. So put the coop in there to keep our dog away.