Скачать или смотреть Keeping our chickens safe after a raccoon scare | Eggs are a hot commodity these days!

While I didn't expect to encounter a raccoon attempting to get in the coop, I can't say I'm surprised that I did. In fact, I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner! Even though the coop is "protected", our chickens are still at great risk since they are true free ranging birds. Coyotes, hawks, possums, and now raccoons are just getting too close too frequently since we no longer have the protection of Bernard (our great pyrenees). We have exactly 30 hens now and it's been a relatively big investment compared to raising just a few birds, considering all the time and money spent raising them.

Raising chickens isn't a profitable venture (it costs us more to have fresh farm eggs than it would to just buy them, even from Whole Foods!), but it is rewarding in more ways than one. I'll continue to do what I can to keep our girls safe, but I have to admit that I'm not so sure I'd start over again if we lose this flock. If that happens, I'll take that as a sign to raise...pigs? Alpacas? Sheep?


#chickens #eggs #homesteading