Hey folks,
We've got a small (now very small) flock of free range chickens living with us on five acres of mostly extensively wooded land. I thought the amount of tree and shrub cover would be enough protection, but after starting with 10, we're quickly down to five. Lost two to an owl, and the other three, I assume to eagles: One rooster and a blue disappeared without a trace, and one of our pearls got eaten last week... with lots of trace.
Anyway, trying to figure out what to do. Give up? (Bummer because I spent a lot of effort building the coop and my Mom loves the birds.) Just figure we lose 10 chickens a year and keep cycling through them? Try a guard goose next time?
Then I thought, what about bantams? There are a lot of chickens, including two small family commercial endeavors, within about 5-20 seconds flight time for our resident Balds. Are bantams worth an eagle's trouble? Also, since they're (I assume) much faster and more flighty, are they harder, more skittish, less desirable targets?
Thoughts?
Thanks!
We've got a small (now very small) flock of free range chickens living with us on five acres of mostly extensively wooded land. I thought the amount of tree and shrub cover would be enough protection, but after starting with 10, we're quickly down to five. Lost two to an owl, and the other three, I assume to eagles: One rooster and a blue disappeared without a trace, and one of our pearls got eaten last week... with lots of trace.
Anyway, trying to figure out what to do. Give up? (Bummer because I spent a lot of effort building the coop and my Mom loves the birds.) Just figure we lose 10 chickens a year and keep cycling through them? Try a guard goose next time?
Then I thought, what about bantams? There are a lot of chickens, including two small family commercial endeavors, within about 5-20 seconds flight time for our resident Balds. Are bantams worth an eagle's trouble? Also, since they're (I assume) much faster and more flighty, are they harder, more skittish, less desirable targets?
Thoughts?
Thanks!