Alternatives to Bullets

[Catnip5]

@Catnip5
 or @JackE

May I ask what is Blackjack? Didn't see it in the thread. I'm on the sidelines learning. Thanks.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_70989-29-6080-9-30_1z0uk7f__
It's a rubber roofing sealant. I was researching flooring options for my shed and was considering linoleum over the wood but after finding JackE's feedback on Blackjack #57 I decided to run with it. Goes down in a flash! Virtually odor free. Sealed nicely! 5 gallons for $47 and I used next to nothing for the first coat in the shed which is 10x12. It'll be a breeze to clean when the deep litter needs to be cleaned out. If you search for blackjack you'll find the thread - flooring options.

Good luck! Newbie here too

 

[Catnip5]

When my husband asked how much this whole "chicken thing" as going to cost, I told him something I read on BYC:  The first dozen eggs cost about 3 grand - after that, they're all free!  

Good luck with your new fencing!  I'm off to let mine range for a while, too.

Omg you nailed it. The chicks were the most inexpensive piece of this adventure! So so so many lessons learned. Ya, 3k is about dead on in my case, lol.

 

[Catnip5]

If you set a trap, try to put (if you have it) cat urine nearby. Hair would also probably work. A fox will go out of its way to kill a cat. Bait the trap with a bit of food or cat hair. Hopefully that works. If not, get a rooster (if you dont already have one). Some breeds, such as Iowa Blues, will attack hawks,coons, and foxes. My littlest Iowa Blue tackled my 4 year old german shepherd-lab mix (no blood or injury) and kept him away from the hen. He was 10 weeks and about a pound. Friendliest bird, but protecrive of his flock. Best of luck.

Interesting...thus far the fox has had no interest in my cat, one of two that venture outdoors. One is giant and pretty much stays on the porch. The other is a small savvy stray who is very smart...a real spitfire. I have no further plans to trap the fox...caught two baby skunks and felt bad...hope they reunited with their momma. No, hopefully he'll just stick to the forest nearby... And seek dinner elsewhere once the buffet is closed to the public.

 

[123RedBeard]

When you are "Standing Guard" hold a broom or something, when the fox shows its face ... wave it over your head and YELL at it, chasing it back to the woods!!

You also could collect a few rocks, or even balls (tennis are the "softest") tossing them in it's direction, may also give it pause in dealing with "The Crazy Chicken Lady"!

Please post a video that the neighbors take of "The Crazy Chicken Lady" attacking!

 

[Catnip5]

Chickengeorgeto That is a horrible video which I did not appreciate at all....nor the assumption that it will "inevitably" breach the coop.
Sad video indeed.

Predator lights via Amazon are fantastic, thumbs up for those.

 

[Catnip5]

When you are "Standing Guard" hold a broom or something, when the fox shows its face ... wave it over your head and YELL at it, chasing it back to the woods!!e

You also could collect a few rocks, or even balls (tennis are the "softest") tossing them in it's direction, may also give it pause in dealing with "The Crazy Chicken Lady"!

Please post a video that the neighbors take of "The Crazy Chicken Lady" attacking!

I've been standing guard with the water hose, lol! So far so good!

 

[123RedBeard]

Quote:
Yeah, but that doesn't make for a very good video ...

 

[LeafBlade12345]

That was a disturbing video!!! I cannot believe people find that enjoyable! Catnip5 your are so right not something to appreciate!

 

[centrarchid]

The video is informative. It can provide insight into how you might be able to protect your chickens by taking into account the behavior of the chickens and fox as well as how the coop interacts with those behaviors.

 

[LeafBlade12345]

True I'm not disputing that it's informative, simply that it wasn't enjoyable or particularly nice to watch.