Advice wanted from NON-trigger happy folks please...

[greathorse]

I have never beleived that destroying predators goes very far in keeping chickens safe. I think that there are simply plenty more to take their place. I would have no issue terminating if I thought it had a real effect.

I have found that one of the best deterents is a dog. I have always felt that my dog has sort of created a boundry around my place that makes it an unfriendly environment. I hope that predators, especially raccoons simply move to the next spot that is less hostile for them.

Beyond that of course it is necessary to create the most secure pen that you can possibly afford to build. If you can prevent digging, climbing and eating through the wire you have mostly solved your problem. Electric fence is also a good route. In addition make certain there is no other food for the little buggers to get into and they will likely just keep moving

A good dog is a real key to prevention.

 

[Dogfish]

Quote:
I'm not trying to be grouchy or rude. But it can be frustrating, as one who takes care of their animals in a responsible manner, when I see someone not willing to take responsibility for their actions or lack of actions when it comes to protecting their anmials.

You lost some birds ealier due to your dog attacking them. You correctly identified the issue was a series of choices that you had made, and then you went on to train your dog to see that this didn't happen again. Many people here don't accept the blame. You did, and that is the first part in preventing another death. You also took action, which is the second part of preventing future deaths. Good job on getting that done.

So many times people lack situational awareness, and get caught up in the emotion of it all. Failure to see those cute little friends of Bambi as a future threat is unrealistic.

Lots of deaths reported here are completely avoidable, if the owners take their responsibility seriously. Unfortunately many don't.

Protect your flock by building a layered security perimeter. Reducing the number of predators does protect your flock. I had 5 coons last year, while this year there is only one I've seen on my cameras. The 4 missing ones were culled last summer.

Security is layer upon layer, not a fence.

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

Quote:
As a Moderator (responding to the reports on this thread) I have to say I think the OP was clear in that she did not want those that DO act rashly/irresponsibly to answer this. If you do not feel you would be acting this way in defending your livestock then your free to give your side of the story respectfully. All she is asking is that options other than lethal force be considered first. Reread the first post, she said she would rather not kill them.

Quote:
As a chicken owner I have to say you have a huge issue on your hands there. They are vectors of disease and while cute (even as adults IMO) they are very apt killers that will attack day or night. You will regret if your dogs have a run in with them or if they get to your chickens. For sure do not encourage them to be around, chase them off always. If you put up electric hotwire be sure to have a ground wire or your coop wire attached to ground so they do get zapped top walking the run. Electric fencing only works if they touch both hot and ground at the same time. If you see them again at least hose them off with your water hose so they don't like your place so much. If you ahve an area that you could relocate to where they don't just become someone else's problem but do have habitat and are native to the area I would seriously consider that. Yes you will always have the coons still around but these 2 have found your henhouse and seem too at home. That makes them worse than the ones that are not.

 

[teach1rusl]

Thanks again for the advice everyone, especially on how to set up an electric fence wire. I do believe that preventive measures go a long way. As I mentioned in an ealier reply, I lost my (wonderful) male dog last month, but am adding another dog soon, and I think that will help too. My girls are shut in their housing each night, and my run (top included) are welded wire and hardware cloth. Adding an electric fence wire will be another step toward total security. My hope is to not have to use deadly force, although I realize it can't always be avoided. I want to assure any who were concerned that I certainly have ZERO intentions of befriending these little guys (both the hose and the can shaker were great ideas, and simple too!).

I am going to ask a moderator to close this thread, as I certainly didn't intend it to cause any anxiety for folks.

 

[Dogfish]

Sounds like you have a good plan of action.