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The Worst Predator

Poll Results: The worst predator?

 
  • 24% (908)
    Raccoon
  • 2% (99)
    Opossum
  • 3% (131)
    Weasel
  • 2% (78)
    Mink
  • 0% (22)
    Mountain Lion
  • 1% (46)
    Bear
  • 4% (158)
    Coyote
  • 8% (293)
    Fox
  • 0% (15)
    Eagle
  • 11% (429)
    Hawk
  • 1% (40)
    Owl
  • 19% (697)
    Dog
  • 1% (63)
    Snake
  • 5% (208)
    Man
  • 1% (48)
    Bobcat
  • 1% (43)
    Skunk
  • 1% (46)
    Rats
  • 1% (69)
    Cats
3659 Total Votes  
post #1 of 833
10/27/09 at 5:39pm
Thread Starter 
  • Opa
  • Opa-wan Chickenobi

I was curious as to which predator the most chickens have been lost to.

When having problems with chickens stop and think, what would Harlan do?
I've dealt with many thorns in my life and the flower is always worth the effort.

6 Nest rollout nest box plans  http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/287684/new-rollout-nest-design-picture-heavy-edited-1-21

Smoker plans http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/721017/opas-recirculating-smoker

Reply

When having problems with chickens stop and think, what would Harlan do?
I've dealt with many thorns in my life and the flower is always worth the effort.

6 Nest rollout nest box plans  http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/287684/new-rollout-nest-design-picture-heavy-edited-1-21

Smoker plans http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/721017/opas-recirculating-smoker

Reply

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post #2 of 833
10/27/09 at 5:52pm

All of our casualties have been to an opossum.

Had a Coyote raid and killed all my birds. He gets my chickens we get his head.
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Had a Coyote raid and killed all my birds. He gets my chickens we get his head.
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post #3 of 833
10/27/09 at 5:52pm

I chose Mink..I lost several to a mink (or weasel) last winter..

I prefer an ugly truth to a pretty lie. If someone is telling me the truth that is when i will give my heart. ~ Jack Nicholson 

Look! A ladder!! Maybe it leads to heaven, or a sandwich... 

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I prefer an ugly truth to a pretty lie. If someone is telling me the truth that is when i will give my heart. ~ Jack Nicholson 

Look! A ladder!! Maybe it leads to heaven, or a sandwich... 

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post #4 of 833
10/27/09 at 6:05pm

Personally, mine have been lost to the resident bobcat, but from reading others' posts, I would have to say dogs.

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post #5 of 833
10/27/09 at 6:12pm

ive recently lost 4 to a skunk. UGH! Coyotes are also a big problem!

"People who count their chickens before they are hatched act very wisely, because chickens run about so absurdly that it is impossible to count them accurately."

Oscar Wilde
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"People who count their chickens before they are hatched act very wisely, because chickens run about so absurdly that it is impossible to count them accurately."

Oscar Wilde
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post #6 of 833
10/27/09 at 6:14pm

Like I said on the other thread, I believe that the worst predator to have is a bird of prey (owl, hawk, etc.). Most are protected species, so you can't really do anything about it. At least with the other predators you can take care of business.

Green Family Farm on Facebook
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Green Family Farm on Facebook
Our Swap/Barter/Trade Page

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post #7 of 833
10/27/09 at 6:15pm

RACOONS!!! Crafty, atrocious killers.....even killed my old pet cat!  rant

DOGS are second on my list...before I fenced everything in and out.


Edited by Bizzybirdy - 10/27/09 at 6:18pm

Avatar is half of group of Ameraucana chicks looking out of the brooder...Nov.'11. They are much more grown up now. Also have White Rocks, Cuckoo Marans, Andalusians and an assortment of EE's. Oh, and one Australorp hen who knows she is the absolute queen here.

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Avatar is half of group of Ameraucana chicks looking out of the brooder...Nov.'11. They are much more grown up now. Also have White Rocks, Cuckoo Marans, Andalusians and an assortment of EE's. Oh, and one Australorp hen who knows she is the absolute queen here.

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post #8 of 833
10/28/09 at 6:23am
  • CMV
  • Golden Feathers
  • Flock Mistress

It seems like dogs are running a close second to raccoons.  When I was investigating getting some waterfowl for this year I was reading all I could on ducks and geese.  One fact that kind of caught my attention was that geese can live 20+ years; however, their average life expectancy is 7 years due to dog attacks- not predator attacks, dog attacks.  I found that to be interesting.

Good poll, Opa.  I am curious to see the numbers at the end.

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post #9 of 833
10/28/09 at 7:18am
Thread Starter 
  • Opa
  • Opa-wan Chickenobi

I can't believe I neglected to put skunks on the lists.

When having problems with chickens stop and think, what would Harlan do?
I've dealt with many thorns in my life and the flower is always worth the effort.

6 Nest rollout nest box plans  http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/287684/new-rollout-nest-design-picture-heavy-edited-1-21

Smoker plans http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/721017/opas-recirculating-smoker

Reply

When having problems with chickens stop and think, what would Harlan do?
I've dealt with many thorns in my life and the flower is always worth the effort.

6 Nest rollout nest box plans  http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/287684/new-rollout-nest-design-picture-heavy-edited-1-21

Smoker plans http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/721017/opas-recirculating-smoker

Reply
post #10 of 833
10/28/09 at 7:26am

Knock on wood we haven't lost any to predators.

Wife and mom to a great husband and 3 wonderful boys. Lots of pets and have officially gone chicken and turkey crazy. I can't even list everything anymore!!     P.S. I am very bad at spelling so forgive me.
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Wife and mom to a great husband and 3 wonderful boys. Lots of pets and have officially gone chicken and turkey crazy. I can't even list everything anymore!!     P.S. I am very bad at spelling so forgive me.
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