Two sub-flocks I have with heavily overlapping home ranges both roost at front of house.
Gang-of-Four roost on plastic shelf under light of front porch where nocturnal avian predators do not like to approach when light comes on. Master bedroom window immidiately to left of porch.
The Cackles presently roost on ground in a plastic tub.
The Cackles are not as exposed one might think. Once the Cackles settle in for night, a cage made of 2" x 4" wire with a band if 1" chicken wire around based is placed over the tub.
Another layer of protection is a vary large and aggressive ape, me. Anything that gets birds to making racket wakes me up. Bedroom window is always open. Neighbors dog does come onto front porch but for some reason ignores chickens.
The Gang-of-Four will be allowed remain through next spring. The some of the Cackles will be convinced to adopt an elavated roost in a couple more weeks. The new roost will provide some protection from wind and precipitation and four legged predators owing to how it is supported. What is going to be a challenge is enabling chickens to get in and out of roost without having great horned owls taking same route to get in.
Gang-of-Four roost on plastic shelf under light of front porch where nocturnal avian predators do not like to approach when light comes on. Master bedroom window immidiately to left of porch.
The Cackles presently roost on ground in a plastic tub.
The Cackles are not as exposed one might think. Once the Cackles settle in for night, a cage made of 2" x 4" wire with a band if 1" chicken wire around based is placed over the tub.
Another layer of protection is a vary large and aggressive ape, me. Anything that gets birds to making racket wakes me up. Bedroom window is always open. Neighbors dog does come onto front porch but for some reason ignores chickens.
The Gang-of-Four will be allowed remain through next spring. The some of the Cackles will be convinced to adopt an elavated roost in a couple more weeks. The new roost will provide some protection from wind and precipitation and four legged predators owing to how it is supported. What is going to be a challenge is enabling chickens to get in and out of roost without having great horned owls taking same route to get in.
