trouble with weasels

[CJ]

I just lost all my chickens and doves to a weasel attack..could have been a mink but nothing bigger. As not only were they in a closed building but the fence is chain link so know it wasn't a raccoon. I want to try some chickens again but not about to put them in harms way, so thinking I have to give up the idea of having any...and I loved to tend and take care of them..Plus the bonus eggs. I searched and searched for a opening that a weasel could get in..they can enter a 1 inch hole...I found a maybe spot but sure didn't seem big enough..I would like to try again maybe in the spring when everything is fresh and clean after a winter...we had a mild winter so I am told that is why a lot of people in the area had the same problem....they are hard to trap..tried for 2 weeks..thinking maybe building a new coop.. Maybe could come up with some idea that would protect them better...I like them to free range during the day and that was fine...but the night the critters are active and attack. Any suggestions would be welcome.. Claudia......upstate NY

 

[The Lazy L]

Buy some 19 gage wire fabric with 1/2" squares.

Fasten the wire fabric until the run and coop all four sides AND roof with 1" fender washers and 1 1/2" wood screws.

Around the bottom flair out at least 18" more wire fabric so nothing can tunnel under the walls.


2 months ago I started with 8 hens and a Rooster. I live in a woods with feral cats, coons and possums all over the place. This past week I've trap and recycled two coons.

My secured run is built following my advice above. I still have 8 hens and a Rooster.

 

[CJ]

thanks for the info............ not sure just how to do it...but I can give it a try...I miss having my own eggs..and just to see the ole girls out catching the bugs..........Claudia

 

[The Lazy L]

thanks for the info............ not sure just how to do it...but I can give it a try...I miss having my own eggs..and just to see the ole girls out catching the bugs..........Claudia

You are welcomed.

It's like leaving your wallet in the middle of the road. Sooner or later it will come up missing. That's why it's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe, just like chickens.

 

[Nslangton]

Weasels and minks can easily fit through chain link fencing and can squeeze through a very small hole to access the coop. I would use the hardware cloth as described above with extra reinforcement on the bottom by either burying it under ground or with an apron extending out several feet. We lost several flocks growing up to weasels in what we thought was a very secure coop. You can not leave any opening larger than an inch at most even smaller or they will find their way in. Minks spend lots of time sun bathing on a bridge around here so I know that they are not nocturnal. Sorry for your loss, but you will be better prepared next time.

 

[TeamChaos]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Were the chickens killed in the building? We had what I suspect was a weasel attack here and my very knowledgeable feed store guy told me the bodies will be in a fan shape or pile near where the weasel entered. if that was the case, you may be able to find your weakest spot and start there.