Two legged predators...how can I stop them?

[CyndiD]

They (whoever it is?) Are probably reading all these post & being very careful now! And they know t/cameras will be fake.... not being paranoid, am i?
Kind od kidding & not.

 

[Handyhens]

I use caribiner clips on every door. The only predator we had was a stray dog, thankfully none of my chicks were injured, but I haven't ruled out 4 leggeds. one question, why do you think they opened the side gate? all of my neighbors are fine w/ the chicks, and we give them eggs. we do live by a school though. could kids be doing it?

 

[splum]

Padlock

 

[21hens-incharge]

The side gate is the easiest access to the back yard without going through the house.
Yes kids could be doing it. No one is going to be going in the coop or run if you put padlocks on the doors.
I am not allowed by city ordinance to padlock the side gate since my electric meter is in the back yard.
Seriously humans are the worst predator IMO.

 

[3riverschick]

I once had a flock of Marans which were quite good layers. Then they stopped and I was getting about 1 egg a day from all 12. This went on for weeks and I finally gave them away in disappointment. Later the son of my tenant who lived over the garage at the time asked me, "Why did you get rid of the chickens? I was eating their eggs for breakfast every morning." ....Nuts...

and so it goes....

Best, Karen ( padlocks with keys work ... been there, done that)

 

[Rivenwood]

In my state, prosecuting someone for trespassing is difficult unless you have a "No Trespassing" sign up, so I would start by putting something on the gate that says that. Otherwise getting a camera is a good idea, perhaps two (one pointed at the gate and one pointed at the coop). You can get ones that are motion activated. If you can catch them on video both trespassing and stealing eggs, they can much more easily be prosecuted for both. Or, in the case of kids, you'll have ample evidence for their parents!

 

[Handyhens]

Thanks for the advice! I have not found out why the gate was opened, but I did find the culprit of the disappearing eggs.
Her name is Hazel.
today, I was walking in the backyard when I heard a trill. I looked over into the ivy thicket. Under it was Hazel with 20! eggs under her. (She is a BIG hen). My brothers are very forgetful. when they collect eggs, they get distracted and leave them outside. I usually find them, but they obviously put the eggs somewere where the chicks could find them. Hazel, the super duper uber broody apparently collected them. Thank goodness that problems over.

 

[AmyPaperlady]

You were right about one thing--the thief was a biped!

 

[FluffyWyandot]

Handy... I'm ur brother. It was the second youngest who forgot to latch the gate. As for the side yard gates... no clue.