Uma Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken shack Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 That is terrible, I just don't know how you can protect them but hope there is someone on here that can help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Chooky Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 So sorry to read this *hug* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 What a horrible shock. I've never thought about predators other than foxes. I have no advice to offer, only a hug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobbit Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Very sorry to hear this, hope you are ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uma Posted November 11, 2012 Author Share Posted November 11, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 I'm glad you still have your little ducks. See you in the duck section of Omlet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you and your chickens, and hope you catch the nasty creatures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
