I woke up last night to the sound of coyotes yipping and howling. This isn’t unusual but it sounded like they were much closer than normal. Our dog was also freaking out, so I knew something was wrong. I jumped out of bed, grabbed a flashlight and ran outside to check the chicken coop. I looked around for a while but didn’t see a coyote. The chicken coop was fine and the fence was still up around it. Since everything seemed alright, I went back to sleep.
The next morning I found a pile of feathers by our second coop, which isn't being used and wasn't in the electric netting. They were feathers from a buff orpington chicken. We had 1 buff that didn't like to stay in the fence. She would jump out every morning and some night she wouldn't get back in the fence. On nights that she was stuck outside, she would roost in random place like in trees, or on 5 gallon buckets. Last night, she chose to sleep on the second coop and it ended badly for her. It's sad this happened but, with how often she would sleep outside the coop, I am surprised it took this long. Luckily, the rest of the animals are fine.
They more than likely are going to be back. Be ready... thanks for the post.
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You are probably right. We made sure the netting is tight and shocking well to keep them away from the other chickens. And the rifle is ready if I see one.
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We have coyotes, foxes, bobo cats, raccoons, etc, etc but the only thing I have ever lost livestock to is stray dogs or cats. The wild animals respect the electric fences and are a lot more cautious of possible danger. The domestic strays have no fear and kill for fun not food. Hope you get your guilty party. You know your a homesteader if you don't realize your naked until your half way in the woods with a flashlight and gun but no cloths or shoes.
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We have all of those predators in our area. We have never lost an animal inside the electric fence but have lost a few that escape the fence.
I haven't gotten an eye on the coyote yet but I hear them howling most nights. They tried and failed to get into the rabbit tractor a few nights ago.
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