Test run

[eng6trk]

I searched the forums but could not find anything like the ? I have, If already posted somewhere forgive my duplicate thread.
I lost 5 of my chickens a while back to a fox. I have since fortified my run/coop to protect the next flock. Any recommendations on how to test if I have done enough to protect them with out actually having live birds in the coop/run?

 

[crazychickenman007]

Interesting question. I’m not sure I know the answer, but I’m leaning towards no. I think if you have taken all the proper precautions in predator profing your coop then you have to trust yourself and your work and just have to kinda go for it. I would post pictures and ask for peoples opinions but I don’t think that baiting any type of animal to your coop to “test” it would be a good idea unless you’re going to trap or shoot said animal. I would think it would create the idea of “here is a reliable food source” to that predator. I could be totally off but as a hunter myself that’s just my gut feeling. Good luck!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree. The only way I'd bait would be to trap the animal and permanently remove it from hunting that area.

 

[aart]

Any recommendations on how to test if I have done enough to protect them with out actually having live birds in the coop/run?

Not really, no.

But if you post pics of where it failed and how you fixed it, we can help troubleshoot.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

I had a young chipmunk get in my run through an open door, was eating food while chickens watched
I finally trapped him inside then run and he could not find any way out from roof to under the coop. I got him and ‘helped’ him out. I guess that tested my run for breach points. HC 1/2 in apron, sides and under coop.