Mrs

[Uma]

So my beautiful Lily was pts this afternoon as she had re-developed her neurological condition...

 

And 30 mins ago I heard squacking from the chicken run, I ran out and a stoat has killed Rosie one of my other orpingtons. I have shut the remaining two in the cube but I have no idea what I'm going to do. The ducks are shut in now too, but how the hell do I protect the rest now???

 

I am unbelievably upset.

[Chicken shack]

That is terrible, I just don't know how you can protect them but hope there is someone on here that can help.

[good_egg]

Oh no, what a horrendous day. Our friends chickens were killed my stoat or mink. Not sure what you can do other than catch/kill the offender?

[Chortle Chook]

Oh Uma, I am so sorry! I'm not sure what set up you have but I believe that to be stoat / mink proof you will need to put the house inside a run that has a roof over the top and edges buried quite deep in the earth I doubt the Omlet 'skirt' will be sufficient.

[coco]

So sorry. I have a friend whose bantams were being killed by a mink. Her husband concreted the run floor, maybe paving slabs would be an option for you and fixed small hole galvanised wire all around the bottom two feet of the run. Eventually he found the minks nest hole and killed them all. Hope your other girls stay safe.

[daxigirl]

That is awful, I've only contemplated foxes as a threat, other hunters never occurred to me

 

Hmmm I could fancy a Mink collar for my coat this winter.

[Cheeky Chooky]

So sorry to read this *hug*

[Mrs_B]

How awful for you Sorry to hear about this!

 

I don't know anything about stoat/mink at all, but the advice about concrete/deep edges sounds very good as I imagine they can dig much better than a fox/rat. Good luck and I really hope you don't have any further problems.

 

x

[WitchHazel]

What a horrible shock. I've never thought about predators other than foxes.

 

I have no advice to offer, only a hug.

[hobbit]

Very sorry to hear this, hope you are ok

[Uma]

Thanks all. I am getting there, still in shock a bit I think.

 

We rehomed the two remaining girls yesterday as they were both so traumatised. One had started seriousely feather eating which she had never done before. They seem happy in their new home and I can visit.

 

So no more chickens here.... Very very sad, its been an emotional journey owning my girls. Still have the ducks though who now have an eglu cube to live in.

 

Thank you for all the support...now off to check that weasel trap!

 

Uma x

[Chortle Chook]

I'm glad you still have your little ducks. See you in the duck section of Omlet

[Luvachicken]

I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you and your chickens, and hope you catch the nasty creatures.