We have/had 12 chicks, which had been living in my greenhouse in a small coop. Well, when the weather gets in the 90's, it is time to move the little darlings outside in the shade, which we did. Last night we left them outside, in their little coop, which they are quickly outgrowing.
This morning the kids come in all frantic telling me 2 of the chicks have been scalped. We are clueless to what could of happened, thinking something got their paw in through the wire while the chicks were sleeping. 12 hours later those two are still part of the living world.
The real twister is as morning turned into afternoon, we realize one of the twelve is completely missing. No evidence, no chick, nothing. Not a feather to be found. What could get a chick out of a wire cage without a bit of evidence left.
Yes, we've searched the area for both the chick or evidence of mischief. Clueless! Any ideas?
varmit ID
Indeed: Not knowing how your pen is built and what type of wire you are using I could only guess either a racoon or a weasel. I have seen coons pull out animals through wire that would not bread but was big enough to get their paws or at least claws into. Another case could be a weasel as it is incredible the truly small holes they can get into that you would not believe...In any case I hope you can do something to resolve the problem...Also welcome to the forum...Haystack
Sigh. I'm going with raccoon. I've seen chickens missing legs and wings, as well as being completely removed, piece by piece. This was what convinced me (yet again0 that the only thing chicken wire is good for is keeping chickens in so something else can eat them at it's leisure. I used 1/2" hardware cloth for a long time, but have switched to 1/2x1" welded wire, which I find easier to work with, and cheaper.
Don't give up on the injured ones. It is amazing what some chickens can survive. If you can get some antibiotics at the feed store (or better yet, a Vet, if you find one that will cooperate) to prevent or eliminate infection, and keep the wounds somewhat together, they may do fine. I hope so...
Look out for cats too! They will reach right in and pull chicks through Chicken wire in a heartbeat!
My new chick coop has chicken wire around the sides but sits up off the ground 48", but I still will be reinforcing it with the 1/2 X 1" that Catmad suggested, I wont feel safe for my babies until I do!
I agree with the welded wire and also use it. However I generally only run it from the bottom of the pen up to eight inches. That way I get a lot more use out of a roll. I always try to be frugal and practical. My dear wife say's I'm a cheapscate...LOL...Hay
. I'm very frugal, myself. I get what I think is a good price on the welded wire, at both 2' and 4' widths. All my new 'buildings" are made of salvaged stuff, _except_ for the wire.
I did find (when I used it) that chicken wire needed to be replaced after two years, and I'm waaay to lazy for that:)
Here's my newest building, while it was under construction....
Ya know I really like that. I like being able to walk into my coops. I don't personally like tractors or small pens that make it difficult to either deal with the birds or their eggs. Great job, and I'm glad i'm not the only one that likes being frugal...Have a great day Cat...Hay
Looks like you have a lovely place Cat.
Oh WOW! Now that is looking really good!
Hey Frugal is my middle name....Trash to treasure anyone? LOL!! that new coop is certainly going to be a treasure for sure!
I am SO lucky I live where I do:)
Hay, I don't often feel my age, but the idea of crawling around in a chicken coop just doesn't appeal any longer.
I should get a picture now that it's done. The door was the worst part, and that hasn't been painted yet, but it's safe and (knock on wood) secure *G*
Welcome gretagreenthumb! I'm sorry for your loss... I know it's horrible.. I hope you find your predator soon.
That is a cool coop! And it Does look like a great place there! :)
Wow! Thanks for the advice and suggestions - my dad's guess was a skunk. Who knows? They ALL seem to be doing good in their new pen. But, as suggested, their new NEW pen will be with 1/2x1" welded wire. Was considering making them a cattle panel pen, but hesitant about having to replace the tarp every couple of years. Would be easy though -- I think!
Gretta: I have seen some wonderful hoop houses using cattle panel. Those that I have spoken with have told me that a good tarp will last ten years when stretched tighly if it has good eyelets. I have never had one but I think they are right on...Hay
Okay, I'm having trouble with cattle panels and tarps as a secure place for chickens. What am missing? I have used cattle panels as tomato fencing, but couldn't the aforesaid Varmints just reach thru?
Sigh. Sometimes I get confused....:)
I'd imagine they'd have to be wrapped with chicken wire, at least at the lower level.. I used a cattle panel for my green beans last year.. :)
Yes, the plan is to secure the cattle panel with smaller wire to keep the varmits out. The cattle panel is just for structure -- cheap and fast, compared to wood. I have yet to decide it I want to make it portable.
Hay, Thanks for the input on the tarp longivity. I noticed in the Growers Supply catelog has quite a selection on tarps, even remnants.