The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry (WARNING!!)

[Pigicecream]

The set up I have is the sameone in my avatar. I designed it after a coop I saw on this site. I apologize for not remembering who. I love this coop. I built it like a tank. I have hardware clothe under, over and around. Walls are thick, roof sturdy to withstand snow load and I padlock all the doors including the nest boxes to keep raccoons out. Chickens were very happy.

I've only forgot to shut the door twice. Three nights ago was the 2nd time I'd forgotten. I came home from work couple days ago to 5 headless chickens. You can only imagine the carnage inside the coop. Was like a meat bomb went off. My kids, wife and myself are devastated.

I only tell you, the good people of backyard chickens, as a reminder that it only takes a brief moment of forgetfulness to lose so much. I've learned so much from this community that I wanted to share this in hopes that it might prevent a similar event happening to you.
I did catch the culprit the next night (raccoon) but the damage is done.

 

[pattyhen]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm glad you caught the culprit. Are you going to get more chickens? I know you won't be able to replace the ones that were lost but it will help ease the pain.

Patty

 

[Pigicecream]

I actually had 7 nine week old speckle Sussex in the same run separated by chicken wire so the older hens wouldn't get them. They must of hid or something because being in the "predator proof" coop I only ran the chicken wire high enough to keep the two groups apart. The raccoon could have easily gone over it or most definitely through it. I got lucky.

 

[Chickenshoe]

I echo.. sorry for your loss. friends of ours too forgot to shut the coop door one night last week.. they had 13 beautiful SL Wyandottes, they now have 4.. fox got em.... it only takes 1x to forget and they are gone...