predators in Indiana, what are the concers??

comp-time · May 25, 2008

my family and I are new to chickens and I have managed the brooding well... built the coop, built the run, added fence, all set with one question so far. Do I really need to put something over the run in west central Indiana. I live in a country setting, the run is a 6 foot plank fence to the exterior where a well maintained grass field separates my back yard from a wooded area. there is a 42 inch fence around my back yard and a garage blocks part of the run. here is a rough sketch.

I think I have the coons and coyotes covered but don't know about other predators. any suggestions? I would rather not put any type of covering on the run.

I have 25 buff Orpingtons pullets 6 wks old raised from dayolds (moving them from the brooder tonight), 100sqft coop and 300 sqft run.

dacjohns · May 25, 2008

You can count on having raccoons, coyotes, opossums, snakes, and various birds of prey. You might have mink, weasels, and/or bobcats. Count on dogs and cats.

If your chickens are not full grown you might want to cover the top and sides completely. The first time I had chickens as soon as I put the chicks (probably 4 weeks old) in the pen a hawk swooped in a got one. Cover went up real fast.

Some of the predators dig under fences pretty well. The small ones can squeeze through really small holes.

patandchickens · May 25, 2008

Is there something to keep the coyotes (and stray dogs, and also foxes, which are not uncommon in OH and KY and so I'd be surprised if you had none in IN) from digging under your fences? Also, it is not clear to me what at all is keeping out raccoons, which are excellent climbers?

At any rate, there are also hawks to consider.

Dunno if this is waht you wanted to hear, but good luck,

Pat

justusnak · May 25, 2008

Hi, and welcome. As far as predators in Indiana....we have them all I thnk. Except bears, and mountain lions.

The birds of prey will be the main issue dureing the day. As long as your coop is tight...and no preds can get in at night...you should be ok. Minks are an issue here in SE indiana, I know first hand. They can squeeze into a hole about 1 inch in diameter. Be safe!

comp-time · May 26, 2008

I just got them moved. I was waiting to get my feeder built. the coop is tight and sturdy. I read that the girls need to be kept in the coop exclusively for a couple of days after the move so I will investigate the cover options. I have seen the deer netting, hardware cloth, chain link panels and chicken wire setups, are there any other options? I opted to have them visible from the picnic area and the house so that my family and I could watch them for entertainment/relaxation so I want the cover to look nice. and, I am on a tight budget, my wife said I have already spent too much money on this new hobby and I have not told her the new news about predators from the sky. I have some minor things to button up this week on the chicken home and I will add pictures. It is a nice place considering I only have $480 in the coop and run so far.

Here is a a chick with my daughter

and one with early signs of a personality

hoosier · May 26, 2008

I have heard that monofilament fishing line can be strung across the top of the run to protect them from hawks. Maybe someone on here has tried it and can say whether or not it worked for them.

DDRanch · May 26, 2008

Your chicks and daughter are adorable. Cover the pen. That chick would be a snack for crows, hawks, owls, even starlings or jays. And those are just the ones that fly. Your coop and pen design look wonderful. Lucky chickens.
Anne

predators in Indiana, what are the concers??

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