I put together a video to demonstrate just why we made sure our chicken yard was very secure... The images in the video aren't new, but some of them are new to YOU! *grin*
Video Description:
I use a Leaf River trail camera to see what kinds of critters visit the chicken coop at night. Here are some images and video clips I've captured, of unwelcome guests at the chicken coop. The wire around our chicken yard goes all the way to the roof. While it may LOOK like there are gaps in the wire, that's only because the wire doesn't show up in the video. The covered (roofed) chicken yard is 10x10, and connects to a larger (uncovered) 30x40 yard. I shut the gait to the larger yard at dusk, to ensure no predators can get into the chicken house, or into the covered yard.
If you have trouble viewing the video here on the blog, you can check it out on YouTube.
Enjoy!

Watchout! The un-welcomed guest will always look for opportunity to strike. This was the experience my parents used to have.
Posted by: Isaac wood | July 01, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Those darn raccoons are sure to get in there but not the way you have the chickens secured!! Love the video. Thanks!
Posted by: Sherri | July 01, 2011 at 06:59 AM
Good alert and video to protect the chickens from the predators.
Posted by: Issac Wood | June 30, 2011 at 03:59 PM
Wow, it's like a wildlife critter party at the coop--only w/o snacks! Glad the kitty and the raccoon didn't get into a fight. Looked like they kinda stared each other down for a little while. :)
Posted by: Renee M. | June 29, 2011 at 02:25 PM
If the hens knew how close they came to being chicken pie, they wouldn't lay another egg for weeks! Those naughty raccoons are too clever and smart and determined. Glad your flock is safely caged in.
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | June 29, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Those raccoons seemed determined, don't they! Sure glad they can't get in.
Posted by: Lora Lauhoff | June 29, 2011 at 06:13 AM
WOW!! I have used Nite guards for years and I must say well worth their $ and they are solar powered-I dont want the lil creatures even coming in my yard at night.Your video is just too close for comfort-glad they are all safe!
Posted by: kimmy | June 29, 2011 at 03:56 AM
Wow, you have a lot of visitors at night. Glad to know the chickens are protected. The racoons don't scare me, but those snakes that you have had....yikes! I don't like snakes at all. Thanks for sharing!
Have a great day.
Posted by: Beverly Blair | June 29, 2011 at 03:37 AM
again! again!
Posted by: Shala | June 28, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Bad, BAD Racoons! No, NO!!
Posted by: Jeanne in Idaho | June 28, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Good grief...you could have a traffic jam outside the coop at night!
Posted by: Adair | June 28, 2011 at 09:28 PM
Good grief! I'm so happy we have a Fort Knox set-up too. And you've given me a great idea- buy field cam for hubs for his b-day... and "borrow" it for coop watch ;) I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing your coop visitors!
Posted by: Tammy | June 28, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Thank you Farmer Lady. From, The Chickens.
Posted by: MicheleP | June 28, 2011 at 08:44 PM
Determined Racoons... Good thing the fence goes that far up!
Posted by: Carol Dee | June 28, 2011 at 07:28 PM