Worrying about what could happen

[ChocolateMouse]

We were thinking about getting a rooster chick this spring and raising it to help with the flocks safety. We don't have bears in our area. We do have coyotes in our area, but none by our house. Our house area doesn't see many predators during the day. The only ones I see are hawks. One time our chickens were huddling in the corner of our run because a hawk was sitting on one of the fence posts to the run. The only animal that could be a danger to our chickens is a stray cat that lives in our garage that is almost literally up against the coop. He was first spotted during the summer, and as of right now hasn't bothered the chickens one bit. We do live next to an Amish farm, which in my opinion adds a bit of safety. They live up on the hill and own the field by the woods. They wouldnt think twice of shooting a predator in the field . we also own two dogs. They don't bother our chickens, but would definently protect them since our chickens coop and run is in the middle of our fenced in yard.
I do have a question for chocolate mouse. When you say your run has an open top, I'm guessing you mean you have nothing at all? I was just wondering. We do let our chickens out to roam our fenced in yard from time to time, every time with one of us outside since at the moment we don't have a rooster. Once a group of bald eagles flew over really low, they probably were not interested in the chickens because they continued on their way. Our chickens booked it back into the run as fast as they could. We don't have any alarms or cameras, I sort of wish we did, but everyone in my family would think I'm worrying to much. Thank you for answering me.

Yes, my run is just a 6' wood fence with no top at all. It is under trees, but that does not stop the hawks.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

It does sound like you mostly have your bases covered re chicken security! I also have lgdogs, & they are the final "layer" to keeping my own chickens safe. Very necessary since i live in a very rural wooded area, with a spring-fed all weather creek at the back of my property. In otherwards, a predator super-highway. The area you house your chickens is definitely more secure.
Re chicken wire, i dont feel confident in advising whether or not the wire covering your windows is fully predator proof, since as i said i went all out (& all in) & wrapped Everything in hardware cloth. And by "everything", i mean multiple 10×10x6 chain link dog kennel panels covered with 1/2 hardware cloth. With hardware cloth roofs & ground aprons too. Literal chicken fortresses. I think Very few people on this forum would tell others they have "gone overboard" re securing their chickens safety. In fact, most would likely say "dont underestimate the determination of a hungry predator." Having said that, with adequate measures you CAN be satisfied your chickens are fully protected. Allowing you to sleep well at night while enjoying their company & antics during the day.
Many people assume chicken wire is intended to protect chickens. In fact, chicken wire was invented & originally used to keep chickens out of people's gardens, not to protect chickens from predators. Modern chicken wire is about the flimsiest wire on the market. And modern chicken wire is even flimsier than chicken wire of old. How close is that fencepost in pic to the coop window? If far enough away that a raccoon cant stand on fence, reach over and rip off the wire to enter coop, Should be adequate protection against coons. That still leaves owls. Idk if an owl can bust through chicken wire. Cmom has posted pics of the great horned owl that busted through flimsy netting over her run and killed chickens. From all you mentioned, I do think your chickens are adequately safe. A few more actions on your part would fully reinforce their safety. If your family accuses you of worrying too much, maybe let them read some of the tragic stories you have discovered here, which no doubt led to your anxiety in the first place. The tragedies are countless & never-ending. And it seems like the worst mistake people make is believing that chicken wire is meant to protect chickens.

 

[Smileybans]

I know what you mean. I have anxiety about most things. My cat has a gps tracker so I know where he goes during the day. I took security for my chickens just as serious.
There’s three cameras in their run and one faces down the yard. I check it every night before bed. We live on the edge of woods so theres a high predator population. My game cameras can attest to that. I count my chickens in the morning, before locking them up in the run and when closing the coop. When they free range I sit outside with them. I started keeping chickens in the winter so it has been relatively easy so far. Spring will come with a whole new host of problems and anxiety for me. But that’s why I’m getting an electric fence for around my run. It’ll ease my anxiety and hopefully prevent the bobcat from getting in. But I love these guys and it’s worth it. You aren’t alone.
Your coop is beautiful. Mine is currently made out of an old playhouse and I wish it looked that good. Do what you have to to ease your fears. For me it’s more security and the people here have helped bunches with that. Even posting here has helped ease my anxiety over little stuff.

 

[Chickassan]

Hello fellow worry wart welcime,welcome there are a ton of us like you here
You're in very good company.

 

[Bejep714]

Allsfairinloveandbugs an estimate would be for those two windows in the pics about 4 feet tops, no less than 3. I also am wondering if anything can open a closed window. They are not locked at all, and we have a 3rd window on the other side that has a ramp of netting going right up to it. This is because we have had rebellious reds that continued to hop the fence so we had to do that.

 

[Bejep714]

Here is a picture

 

[theoldchick]

Yeah boy, the mind can really get wound up about these things, doesn't it? I worry about my chickens, too, and the worrying can really eat into your lifestyle. You'll have to learn how to enjoy them and you might have to discuss this with your doctor if your mind won't let you escape. Ain't nothing wrong with being a worry-wart and being vigilant about the safety of your chickens. Set up a few cameras to see what's going on and learn to take it easy and enjoy your chickens!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I also am wondering if anything can open a closed window. They are not locked at all, and we have a 3rd window on the other side that has a ramp of netting going right up to it. This is because we have had rebellious reds that continued to hop the fence so we had to do that.

Short of a bear smashing through, I don't imagine anything could get a good grip on a glass window to open it, however... isn't that your main ventilation? How much ventilation do you have with windows closed (and how many birds total)?

 

[Bejep714]

We have ventilation on the sides of the house where the roof sticks out, and a little crack at the top of the door, other than that that is all. We have 9 chickens in all

 

[Bejep714]

Thank you smileybands