Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[eve]

hi was really upset as got up to find feathers all over my garden,no batams left. the fox got in and took all four ladies. my son of three is so upset. how long do i leave it before i get some more?? want hens this time as didnt get many eggs from my bantams. whats the best hens to get?? think i could only have two as they are much bigger than bantams. i have a wooden pen.

[KateCooke]

So sorry to hear you news, I too have 4 bantams and a 3 year old child and can not imagine having to break the news to her. My girls spend at least 3 hrs a day free ranging in teh garden unsupervised, am now starting to think that i need to limit this as everyone seems to be suffering from fox's. Just remember bigger hens have bigger feet and can tear up grass, thats why i am sticking with bantams.

[Reikiranf]

Sorry to hear your sad news Before you get more girls you need to up your security, were they locked in the coop when the fox got them?

 

Once foxes know there are chickens they will become regular visitors, I only let my girls freerange when I am out with them & even though I know they are safe in the Eglu and run, when Mr fox visits I still run out into the garden shouting and chase him away

[Olly]

Sorry to hear your news, and I agree with Reikiranf - before you get any more, you need to find out how the fox got in (if he got into their coop) and make it secure. Unfortunately unsupervised free-ranging is not an option for most of us due to the boldness and high population density of urban foxes. Other than that, there is no real reason to delay if you want to get more hens. I'd get hybrids (like the Omlet Gingernut Rangers) if you want a reliable source of eggs, there are plenty to choose from.

[LizzieLloyd]

So sorry to hear the sad news.

 

If you wanted a decent layer in the bantam category I have two light sussex and they produce bucket lods of eggs - have also gone on laying right through the winter. The eggs are also of decent size unlike the 'toy' eggs from my pekins and silkie. If space is limited and you want several chooks maybe you should look at a decent laying bantam instead?

[eve]

i had two white sussex and two marrans marrans laid better than sussex. it was nightime when the fox came im in the city. they got into pen as older son didnt bolt the run up and was a windy night!! he 13 and he feels awful. yes i think will go hybrids i live in derby anyboby know a good place to get some from??

[mollyripkim]

So sorry to hear about your chickens and for your poor sons as well. I can imagine how your oldest must feel but we all make mistakes and it's just sad that the fox came.

[oneyolktoanother]

i'm so sorry to hear this

[sparkysmum]

So sorry to hear your sad news