Official BYC Poll: The Worst Predator

[Birdsong 82]

When we built the frame we used 2x4 along the bottom on the inside and placed a layer of fence and used fencing nails to attach
We also took 24” y’all HC and bent it at about 4 in and layed long pat along the ground and the four inches against the fence. Then took 2x6 on the outside and screwed it to the fame. Also poultry netting along top supported by 2x4 and 2x2.
The skirt we layed flat instead of digging. You can see vegetation will grow to help hold it in place along with ground staples. Picture probably explain it better. This at least for me has worked for raccoons. As long as they don’t sneak in there through door while chickens are out and hide till night.

 

[Chip0523]

We almost lost our chickens to raccoons, we caught it trying to sneak into the coop. Sneaky little things they are.

 

[Southernc]

I've lost one Duck to neighboring dogs. Installing an electric fence is on the way this weekend. I am a very good shot with a pistol not as accurate with a 22 rifle but I am going to be practicing . I have spoken to the owners about the dog and now have the proof of that dog in my pen. They are getting one more warning from me. The next time we discuss it we will be referring to the wounded or deceased dog.

 

[Angela Thomson]

Really? How?

I lost six chicks in one day to a king snake.

 

[pfeiffer farm]

racoons. I have electric fence on top and lining bottom of my coop. I also have net on the top. my coops pretty big but they sell a good netting at lowes. I understand the wild animals need for food, but my hens are my pets so I do my best to secure them.

 

[Scorpy89]

DOGS!!!
Unfortunately, my family's dogs to exact. My brother was tasked with keeping the fences cleaned off so that the electric fence wouldn't short, so that the dogs wouldn't go near the chickens. Well, the fat lard didn't and they ended up killing like fifthteen of my free range Roos. a Barred Rock, two light Brahmas, four of my six Rhode Island Reds and all of my New Hampshire Red Roos.
The chickens belong to my father and I, and since my brother can't pay rent or contribute to the household in anyway he is tasked with yard-work (We have a 2\3 acre lot.)

 

[lovingmyhens]

Quite a while ago in this thread I had put a vote in for raccoons. I wish I could vote for two. Possum in my run last night Thank God for my rooster and my cat. Otherwise there would’ve been much more casualties I think. Still devastated

 

[Dkbahoo]

Foxes hands down over here in Nj...

 

[someusername]

I lost 3 beloved quail in one day due to a HAWK THAT FLEW IN THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW. THE QUAIL WERE INSIDE.

 

[Banton78]

Well i have two absolutely amazing dogs who just adore our baby chicks and are already very protective over them.. and have always always been extremely gentle with all all creatures.. why iam so devastated and confused as to what got one of our babies she was just gone with in the matter of a half an hour, they were all out side in there pen nothing dishuffled all the others where fine and still outside acting normal didn’t retreat inside as if for a threat, but one was just gone, we looked everywhere all night all the next day iam still looking it’s been 2 days!! Absolutely devastated heart broken.. no matter what they will not be out of there enclosed coop with us until a top is added..