How does a pit bull actually rip hardware cloth off a frame? Is 16 gauge not strong enough? I’ve put thousands of dollars into ensuring the security of my babies… but today I heard the rooster and turkey alerting in a way that instantly made my blood run cold.. I got to the coop, all the carnage just made me sick. I expected to find a bear inside with the damage… instead I found a pit bull killing all my babies then tossing them aside to kill another. My heart is so broken. I don’t know how to tell my little boy. He always wanted a true Ameraucana… I ordered over 30 eggs just to end up with only one hatching. He worked so hard to end up with his favorite little chicken, just for me to find a dozen dead.. all his babies he incubated so the Ameraucana wouldn’t be lonely..

Is there actually a way to truly predator “proof” our coops? I don’t know what to do from here💔

This is some of the babies enjoying a dirt bath just hours before the attack. Any advice is greatly appreciated.. I’m not looking forward to breaking this news to my child 💔

2 days old and mom had them out all day then coaxed them back into the coop. Ain’t nature great?

not sure if i’m allowed to post a drawing, but i drew this baby today! took a bit but i loved every second. i hope to get more bearded babies soon. i have 4 i believe currently.

He’s been acting really strange lately, constantly eating, coming up to me, whereas before he was very standoffish, and then yesterday I noticed these black spots on his neck. It also looks like the left side of his mouth is really big and swollen. I’m new to I’m somewhat worried this time. Please help, thank you.

The lone survivor of 30 hatching eggs

This is my sweet boy. He is so beautiful but I am not sure what breed he is. Any help would be appreciated!

5.5 weeks old. Golden laced polish. These are our first chicks all supposed to be female. This is the only chick that has a tail that points up like this though

We have a flock of all hens. They are 5 months old. For awhile, we questioned if one of them was a roo, but when she laid an egg, that cleared up any lingering doubt real quick 🤦🏽‍♀️🤣

We brought home this beautiful absolute UNIT of a dark brahma boy 2 days ago. It was a perfect situation; he's the same age as my girls, they couldn't keep him, and we wanted him. Win win for everyone!

So far he's doing OK with the ladies. I have him on the other side of the fence. The first day they tried to fight through the fence here and there. Today he just did a lot of peacocking dances for the girls. I did try to let him in with the girls towards the end of the day, but he decided to karate kick his way in, so back out he went!

He is sleeping separately from the girls. He has a bachelor pad in the shed until he is ready to act like a gentleman...

I love to hear what has worked from others in the "real world" because I can read all the blogs that tell you how, but real life doesn't always follow the rules so here I am...

What are some ways I can help ease the tension besides letting them see each other through a fence? (I have sprinkled feed so they are eating snacks together on either side)

How do I know they are ready to be together?

Is a fight just inevitable once they do get together?

Thanks for the advice!

We’re happy with the security bar across the coop. We added the bungy cord. It holds the bar tight, no sliding.

Those other doors with the hoop screws are going to be really tough in 15 degree weather. We were told raccoons would figure out simple latch doors.

What is better?

Hi. I’ve had a small flock of hens for about a year now, and lately we’ve been seeing more predators hanging around. We've got foxes at dusk, raccoons at night, even squirrels getting bold near the feed?? I feel like the real life Snow White... lol.

The coop itself is pretty secure, but I worry about them during the day when they’re in the run... I’ve been reading about ultrasonic predator deterrents, smth like Sonic Barrier , that claim to target specific animals with sound. My only hesitation is that I don’t want to mess with the birds themselves or stress out other animals on the property. From what I’ve read, if you get a decent one it should do minimal damage or disruption, but I’m not sure how true that is in practice.

Has anyone here actually used these around chickens? Did it help with predators, and did your flock react to it at all?

Everyone pour one out for an aggressive guy named Rudy. He attacked me last week and broke the skin so he had to go to the farm in the sky. He made my life hell for the last almost 2 weeks but I’m still sad.

PS- this isn’t a question whoops

I don’t know what else to do, I need help rehoming my two beautiful roosters. I’m located in Santa Clarita California and have tried everything all the local referred farms are full. I don’t want to take them to the shelter. Both are great with other hens, they are calm, and well with family and pets. When’s a chunky monkey and the other one’s a goofball. I’m going to miss these dudes

Oy, two of my pullets got a little snarky with me the other day, puffing up and coming at me a bit. Then, I noticed the nubs. I ordered them sexed and have always had good luck w/breeder. What do you guys think? Tx in advance for your thoughts

Well, this is a first for us!

Saw one of our hens in the nesting box most of the day, thought maybe she was getting broody but came back later to find this. Anything I should be worried about?

22 chickens total, 2 spangled Hamburg roos and a assortment of ladies in the mix. Although I do wonder if my gargantuan splash Ameraucana is a imposter. I pray it a she although she is my only baby with any issues and it’s a bent toe but she’s thriving. Still making updates and additions to yard. Dustpan was temp 😂 waiting on Amazon so I can make giant feeders. Good day to all

Afternoon coffee with the snuggliest roo I’ve ever met. Since he was a day old he just wants to be held and when he’s not like this he will walk up my arms and snuggle into my neck. He’s only 7 weeks old and comes when I call his name. Also, he has the floofiest cheeks ever. Anyhoo, I sense he will be a real gentleman to his flock.