what the hell is getting my chickens

[Roy]

I didn't know a thing about raising chickens until about 4 years ago, I learned as I went. Didn't find this site until 1 1/2 yrs ago. I haven't lost a chicken to predators, but, I've been very lucky. We all must learn as we go, pick a tip here and there and try to do what we think is right. You've had a rough start, but, you'll get it. Tighten up your security and you'll be fine. Thanks for adopting those animals, takes a good person to do that... Good luck...

 

[the4heathernsmom]

Don't be too hard on yourself!!! You live and learn.......I got chickens before I was ready and had to fix it as I went. Chicken wire is expensive and it doesn't protect very well.....lesson learned here. If you are like most of us and don't have a wad of cash to go spend at one time on what you really need you have to make do and you can do that reasonably and buy supplies here or there as you can. First off you should secure your coop. Take down pen wire if you ahve to and make a secure coop space for the birds. Splice, wire, dig, whatever you have to do to get a space for them to be closed up at night. When you get it secured and have a safety place then you can be a little relaxed and let them out during the day and work on the rest as you can. It does sound like a coon BUT I have had owls and hawks swoop them up leave a few feathers and they are gone without a trace. I live in East texas and even if you are in a somewhat urban area you might not see them often but owls are horrible nighttime predators. I encourage you to look on here and research a bit about getting a nice little coop fixed up and a run. There are lots of people that have whipped things up and posted photos then there are those that have fabulous coops that look like they spent a fortune. Also now that you are down to just 2 another option is to use an easily made chicken tractor until !!Don't give up you can do it!!! Welcome to byc and there are tons of folks on here that can help and offer suggestions and ideas!!!

 

[brazosbluz]

thanks again for all the helpful advice...the pen and shed where i kept the chickens will be fine in what i see...needs a little reinforcining here and there...the main cause of the losses are on me...i got to the point where i was letting them go in and not locking them up....i did have to get one snake i caught eating eggs awhile back but i hauled him off to the woods down the road...failed to ,emtion i have 2 chicks im keeping in the house until they are bigger...as an update...i saw a stray cat comw out of the woods yesterday back there...am wondering...hmmmm

 

[AHappychick]

it could be many different nimals, fox or coon is my best guess. Best way to find out for sure is to set some traps and see what you get. Best to get rid of the predator (please dont relocate)

Whatever it is has been eating your chooks for a while and when you lock them up tight will probably get mad and try to find another way in.

Chicken wire is no good for keeping chickens safe as coons can reach trough and grab them. easiest thing is to lock them in the coop part after dusk and not let out until dawn.

There are some great electric automatic pop doors for coops, if you are the type that is out at dusk a lot you may want to get one of those.

Good Luck.

I would post pics of your coop and see what advise we can give.

Pay no attention to the nasty people although much of what happened could be avoided it is best not to dwell on what you could have done and focus on what needs to be done now.

Welcome

 

[ScoobyRoo]

Quote:
A stray cat 'usually' doesn't mess with grown chickens. But I'm sure it has happened though.
My only preds so far was one hawk attack, two dog attacks and just last week got a fox after it made several attacks. All during the day.
My flock free ranges during the day but I coop them up at night.

If I missed someone answering your other question about how to tell if an egg is fertilized, search it on this site. It has awesome pics to see. I think Speckled Hen posted it. I'm not computer saavy to put the link here, sorry. Maybe someone else can?

Good luck!