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

[emmalou]

This morning our cat caught a weasel. I managed to set it free although now am thinking maybe that wasn't a good move. I have just seen one scarpering across the lawn, about 10 mins after I have shut the chooks in for the night. Should I be a little wary of this critter? I am fairly confident it could not get in to the run but am concerned about when they are out. I only let them out when I can monitor them or working in the garden.

[Beantree]

I don't think a weasel with bother laying hens Emmalou. The neighbour's cat caught one by the chicken coop and killed it last year, but there were no issues with any of his chickens. However chicks or bantams may be completely different as I once saw a weasel dragging a baby rabbit across the road. The rabbit was twice its own size. Perhaps next time your cat catches one you should just leave be. Not sure if they steal eggs and that may be a problem?

[emmalou]

Yes maybe. Vicious little critters though....think they could do a lot of damage to a creature. I thought she was going to get attacked. Never seen one just walk across the lawn before. They would have a job getting in the coop anyway but was just concerned if the hens were completely free range.

[Beantree]

Biggest problem you will have in France is stray dogs. I heard of a tradesman working next door who let his dog out of the car and it promptly jumped the fence and wiped out all of the neighbour's chickens.

 

You need a secure enclosure, even though you may think that chickens prefer free range they know they are secure and like it if big enough.

[emmalou]

Yep! That's France for you. I hear about that a lot infortunately. Luckily we have a secure garden and dogs cannot get in anywhere! They have a stange concept of looking after animals here (or not as the case may be)! Bit hard to accept sometimes as an animal lover and certainly have my own views on animal care here. It needs a damn good shake up, be it pets or chicken care. The exbatts are not controlled as strictly as they are in the UK and is not an easy process rescuing them which is very sad.

[mullethunter]

Stoats have killed my mums hens before, but I would think a full sized chook would be a bit big for a weasel which is that bit smaller then a stoat.

 

I know that weasels are pretty bloodthirsty, but I love them.