Aloha from Hawaii

[BuffieMama]

We are relatively new to raising and nurturing chickens. We have some unique problems here, primarily rats, mongoose and our dogs. With double fencing, i.e., chain ling + chicken wire we have managed to keep most of the mongoose out. Rats are an ongoing problem The dogs (Rhodesian Ridgebacks with an off the scale prey drive) have been convinced that the chickens are a terrible idea thanks to one strand of electric fencing. Now just by it being there they stay far away. We don't even have to turn it on any more.

We have 3 buff orpingtons, one black chicken of unknown pedigree and 2 rhode island reds, fondly known as the evil step-sisters. The worst one has been named Cruella. She loves to harass the rest of them. We also have a big garden which helps provide greens for the chickens and the compost heap.

Hope to keep learning as much as we can as we love having the chickens, not to mention the eggs!

 

[MrsMistyReal]

 

[ladybugchickenfarms]

Aloha @BuffieMama! I hope you have a great time here!

 

[BullChick]

You will find lots of ideas on how to handle the predators. One being fencing extended down into the ground about a foot to prevent digging. Hardware cloth is pricey, but prevents reaching through. Of course, electric chicken fencing is a good idea too.

 

[ben0125]

 

[drumstick diva]

Runs should be covered to protect from raptors and climbers.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Which Island are you on? I'm on the Big Island, there's a BYC Hawaii too. I'm thankful our predators aren't as abundant as in the Mainland. Are yours confined or do you free range? Watch for the hawks, wild pigs, loose dogs, feral cats besides the mongoose & rats/mice, your dogs.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us.

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - Find Your State Thread


Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[BuffieMama]

Which Island are you on? I'm on the Big Island, there's a BYC Hawaii too. I'm thankful our predators aren't as abundant as in the Mainland. Are yours confined or do you free range? Watch for the hawks, wild pigs, loose dogs, feral cats besides the mongoose & rats/mice, your dogs.

We are on the big island too. We have a big former dog yard 30x40 I think with 6 foot chain link fence which was reinforced with chicken wire around the bottom 2-3 feet. We trimmed their one wing to avoid flight but they are heavy birds so that doesn’t seem to be a problem so far. Where on the big island are you located?