Worrying about what could happen

[Bejep714]

I constantly worry about my chickens. I have had them for about a full year so they are full grown and healthy. Nothing predator related has happened to them before, but I still am stressed about what could happen. In our chicken run we have thick blue string attached zig zagged along the top of the fence. Is that enough? I've over done it a lot more than I have to because I want to keep them safe. Also at night I lock the chickens up with my brother and I cannot shake the feeling they are not locked up and I get worried. I know myself they are locked up, and my brother knows they are locked up, I still worry about it. It doesn't help that our coop is at the far end of a large yard. From my house you cannot see the coop or run at all, which worries me more. I even put a lock on the chicken latch to help remind myself, but it still doesn't work. I have to constantly check before leaving for the night just to worry once I'm inside my home. Is anyone else experiencing this at all ore is it just me? Also is there a way to help with this?

 

[gimmie birdies]

Relax.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Just relax. Take my hug.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Are the chickens your first pet?
Are they in an area that you can add motion lights at night?

 

[MissE]

I constantly worry about my chickens. I have had them for about a full year so they are full grown and healthy. Nothing predator related has happened to them before, but I still am stressed about what could happen. In our chicken run we have thick blue string attached zig zagged along the top of the fence. Is that enough? I've over done it a lot more than I have to because I want to keep them safe. Also at night I lock the chickens up with my brother and I cannot shake the feeling they are not locked up and I get worried. I know myself they are locked up, and my brother knows they are locked up, I still worry about it. It doesn't help that our coop is at the far end of a large yard. From my house you cannot see the coop or run at all, which worries me more. I even put a lock on the chicken latch to help remind myself, but it still doesn't work. I have to constantly check before leaving for the night just to worry once I'm inside my home. Is anyone else experiencing this at all ore is it just me? Also is there a way to help with this?

We all worry about our animals, but if its disrupting your daily life, you may want to talk to your doctor. They will be able to help you determine if there are other issues they can help you with. Raising animals should bring you enjoyment, not stress and worry, at least not all the time.

 

[JaeG]

You just have to remind yourself that you've done everything you possibly could to ensure their safety and if something bad does happen it's plain bad luck. It sounds like they mean a lot to you which means you must be taking extra good care of them.

 

[Floof]

You might consider getting a trail cam that you can set up to send pictures or videos to your phone. Actually a baby monitor might work just as well and be way cheaper if you get it second hand.

 

[Sequel]

Welcome to BYC! It’s nice to have you here! I worried about my chickens a lot too for a while. Anything can happen with chickens so it’s good to be vigilant but it sounds like you have a safe place for them, especially at night. Maybe you could post some pictures of your set up so people here could help you decide if you have reason to worry so much.

Many years after I grew up and moved away I had dreams of forgetting to water my horses so I know the feeling! They eventually stopped.

 

[Bejep714]

Thank you all for answering me. It isn't effecting my everyday life whatsoever. Its just a feeling I get before or right after something. An example would be when I went on vacation over the summer we left our chickens in the responsibility of our neighbors. I lost sleep thinking about what could happen to our chickens the nights before the trip, but during my vacation wasn't worried the slightest. Our coop is on stilts so nothing can really get in it. We actually put installation in side the walls for warmth that add extra protection. I usually get anxious about whether I locked the doors, and even then those worries sort of lessen until they are basically all gone until the next night. I really appreciate all of the comments, they really do make me feel better, so thank you all.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

It is understandable to be concerned, due to all the tragic stories on this predator forum. In fact, reading all the tragic stories gave me the know-how to build fort knox coops and runs so i didnt have a tragic story myself. It sounds like u have taken many positive steps to ensure their safety. Re the zig-zagged string over the top of the run, the only thing that would be better (to guard against arial predators) would be heavy duty netting, 2×4 welded wire, or something similiar. As others have suggested, motion detector lights, a game camera or baby monitor might help ease your mind. It sounds like you are very dilligent in protecting your chickens. And btw a good strong latch on the lock is actually Necessary not optional to prevent raccoons from gaining access. I agree that if u will post pictures of your coop and run, you will get great advice on how to better predator proof it if needed. It is very normal to worry about your chickens safety, since they are valued and loved. But it IS possible to protect them fully so you can sleep soundly at night.