My Tragic Summer: Don’t let ‘em get your Chicken too

I decided to start raising chickens last July. I'd had always loved the idea of having fresh eggs every day and watching the adorable chicks grow into beautiful hens. So, I went to the local Tractor Supply and purchased 4 fluffy little chicks. I brought the chicks home and built them a cozy chicken coop in my backyard. I spent hours each day caring for them, feeding them, and watching them grow. As the chicks grew bigger, I decided to allow him run time in the yard .

However, one night, a predator broke into the coop and attacked the vulnerable chicks. I woke up to the sound of their screams and ran outside to find a scene of carnage. The predators had killed all of the chicks.

I was heartbroken. I had invested so much time and love into caring for the chicks, only to have them brutally taken away in one night. I felt like I had failed as a chicken parent and all I could think about is the terror of the last chick to meet its fate.

I have been haunted by the memory of the attack. So I worked tirelessly to make the coop more secure, adding stronger wire mesh and a higher fence. I also spent more time researching predator deterrents and how to keep future chicks safe.

Despite my efforts, I still could not fully shake the sadness and melancholy that came with the memory of the attack and the unfortunate chain of events that followed thy day.

A picture of my chicken

With all that being said a predator-proof chicken coop is important for keeping your chickens safe from harm. Here are some steps you can follow to build a predator-proof chicken coop:

1. Choose a secure location: The first step in building a predator-proof chicken coop is to choose a location that is secure. The coop should be in an area that is not easily accessible to predators such as raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. Ideally, the coop should be located in an area that is well-lit and visible from your home.

2. Build a sturdy frame: The frame of the coop should be sturdy and made of strong materials such as pressure-treated lumber. The coop should also be raised off the ground to prevent predators from digging underneath it. (That's what happened to mine.)

3. Use strong wire mesh: The wire mesh used for the walls and windows of the coop should be strong enough to prevent predators from breaking through it. Use a mesh with a small enough opening that predators cannot fit their heads or paws through.

4. Secure the door: The door to the coop should be secured with a latch or lock to prevent predators from opening it. You can also install a predator-proof door, which is a type of door that is designed to keep predators out.

5. Add a roof: The roof of the coop should be strong and securely attached to the frame. You can use metal roofing, shingles, or other sturdy materials to build the roof. The roof should also overhang the walls of the coop to prevent predators from climbing onto the roof and gaining access to the coop.

6. Add predator deterrents: In addition to building a predator-proof coop, you can also add deterrents to keep predators away from the coop. For example, you can install motion-activated lights, use predator-resistant plants around the coop, or install a fence around the coop. I've even seen some people using wacky, waving, inflatable, arm flailing tube men to deter predators lol.

By following these steps, you can build a predator-proof chicken coop that will keep your chickens safe and secure.

Or you can purchase a superior chicken coop that will keep you flock safe