- Thread starter
- #11
- Apr 15, 2014
- 47
- 1
- 34
I came home this afternoon from being out of town (with the dog) and all but 1 guinea are gone. There are tracks and piles of feathers in the snow. I feel terrible.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
That's what I have thought is to choose breeds that are known to be predator savvy. My Production Reds seem to do the best, but I'm going to phase them out and only acquire breeds with small combs and wattles.So sorry for your loss. Free ranging seems easy but it isn't always. It takes a lot of vigilance and a thick skin. Might I suggest trying to get birds that are already free range adults next time? I have predator proven birds who continue to pass it on to their young. It helps a lot. I can't teach the babies like a mama hen can. Last summer, I was leaving and heard my banty mama hollering down below the barn. Went to investigate and off flew a cooper hawk. She was standing, exposed I might add, on a rock pile just screaming. I didn't see any babies. Searched and saw no evidence of attack, she stopped hollering, but still no babies. Finally I hear something, and out comes one baby and soon all 14 from some thick grass. They hid so well I walked right by them. Its an invaluable trait she passed on that day. Might I add, all 14 are still alive and kicking (until spring anyways when decisions will be made). Its just a thought, best of luck
I agree. The more calm, docile, friendly breeds - which incidentally it seems most backyard keepers desire - are sitting ducks for predation. Their trusting nature makes them vulnerable. I've never played with my birds and only handle them to check their health.So sorry for your loss. Free ranging seems easy but it isn't always. It takes a lot of vigilance and a thick skin. Might I suggest trying to get birds that are already free range adults next time? I have predator proven birds who continue to pass it on to their young. It helps a lot. I can't teach the babies like a mama hen can. Last summer, I was leaving and heard my banty mama hollering down below the barn. Went to investigate and off flew a cooper hawk. She was standing, exposed I might add, on a rock pile just screaming. I didn't see any babies. Searched and saw no evidence of attack, she stopped hollering, but still no babies. Finally I hear something, and out comes one baby and soon all 14 from some thick grass. They hid so well I walked right by them. Its an invaluable trait she passed on that day. Might I add, all 14 are still alive and kicking (until spring anyways when decisions will be made). Its just a thought, best of luck
Quote:Yeah I just saw a big red fox out back looking for leftovers. I guess I'll be penning the new flock and only doing supervised free ranging. And getting a rooster.
The penedesenca combs and wattles are a problem in winter but only the roosters are affected. It gets quite hot here too so the big combs help in summer.That's what I have thought is to choose breeds that are known to be predator savvy. My Production Reds seem to do the best, but I'm going to phase them out and only acquire breeds with small combs and wattles.