The Poultry Keeper

tuzo2k · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 193 Location: charente sw france

I had a pole-cat get into my chicken housing which contained (I say contained) because it doesn't any more, 65 young chicks (3 weeks old) mainly cream crested legbars and sussex, and it killed all but 18 of them. I know it was a pole-cat because I caught and despatched it. I thought the pen completely secure as it is entirely wired but obviously not secure enough. I have looked for gaps but not found any. I do hope there was only one. I am sure this animal was also taking eggs as these were being depleted by the day - but how do you find out in advance - no sign of droppings etc. Another batch of chickens due today - just started pipping.

CP · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 5:47 pm Post subject:

Oooh, that's really terrible news!! Crying or Very sad

I'm so sorry you lost so many in one go. Though to lose any like that is bad. Crying or Very sad

Predators always seem to find ways in, don't they? We thought our run pretty fox proof but still lost 13, 2 weeks agp. We've made even more security measures since but still not sufficient to let ours freerange at the moment.

I hope you only had the 1. Make sure you block up any access you think may be large enough for anything else to get in. (as I'm sure you already have. Wink

)

Good luck with the next hatch.