ahhh i need help

[internationalfarmer]

i plan on getting my first chicks in like 2 months and i wont to know what predators i might deal with. i live in maryland.way out in the woods so please help thanks. sam

 

[jjthink]

A bunch, unfortunately! Fox, raccoons, dogs, hawks - for starters. So they will need a lot of protection.

Smart of you to be planning ahead. All the best.
JJ

 

[internationalfarmer]

thanks will i have any problems with bears. o please do not say i might have some it will be really hard to cope with

 

[jjthink]

You may well have bears. Check with your state's Fish and Game department to see if they "reside" in your area. If they do, a whole other level of protection is needed because they are so strong.

 

[internationalfarmer]

looks like it is time to bring out the old balckpowder and have to sit and do some night watching. but if all is good i wont have a problem with it.

 

[panner123]

There is one easy way to find out if you will have a bear problem. Leave your garbage out where they can get to it. If there are any bears in the area you will find out fast enough. If you do have them in the area, you will need a good electric fence. Have the electric running though barb wire,
the wire supplied WILL NOT penitrate the hair. The barbs go in between the hairs and hit the skin. There are many sites that will tell you how to do this.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

I had an old rabbit hutch for a coop and the bears never touched them. But as a precaution I would set up something like a land mine or bear trap lol

 

[chickbea]

It's hard to say from afar as animal populations vary so by region. I would call your local game warden and ask them the question. If you are in the woods and far from other human development, you may be surprised to find that you have fewer predator problems, because the animals have ample natural prey available and they don't have to risk contact with humans to eat.
However, the more you can do ahead of time to build a secure environment the better. I suggest electric fencing around the coop and run for extra peace of mind.
If you have the time and desire, a good dog can be invaluable at letting you know when critters are prowling!