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Are my chickens safe?

Discussion in 'Predators and Pests' started by ChickenPeep, Mar 31, 2012.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Mar 31, 2012 #1
    ChickenPeep

    ChickenPeep Faith & Feathers

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    Olathe, Kansas
    Hello fellow BYC'ers

    I have 4 chickens. 2 silkies, 1 silkie cross, and a Silver duckwing OEGB bantam.
    Recently, I've been letting them free-range in our backyard. We live in a suburb and there are houses all around us (But we have a lot of backyard).

    Many of our neighbors have sighted a red fox run around in our neighborhood. We too have seen it. It has killed several of our rabbits when they got loose from their cage. One time a while ago, we saw it peering into our rabbit cage early in the morning.This fox has even been seen in the light of day.
    When I write this, it makes it sound like it runs around every day, but it doesn't. We don't see it often, and haven't seen it i over 3 months.

    I was just wondering, is it safe for my chickens to free-range in our backyard? I don't know if I'm being paranoid or if it's actually a threat.
    Knowing me, I'm probably just paranoid. [​IMG]

    Here's my silly birds.
    [​IMG]
     
  3. Mar 31, 2012 #2
    bnjrob

    bnjrob Overrun With Chickens

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    Anytime you free range you run the risk of a predator showing up when they are unprotected by a run/coop. Predators are sneaky and they are fast and can attack even while you are there. Someone else recently had a hawk start attacking her chickens while she was out there with them. No guarantees - you'll have to decide how much of a risk you are willing to take.
     
  5. Mar 31, 2012 #3
    ChickenPeep

    ChickenPeep Faith & Feathers

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    Olathe, Kansas
    Thanks for the quick reply.
    I'm thinking that I'll only let them free-range when I'm out there with them. Otherwise, I'll put them in my rabbit's fence. That way they'll be protected from foxes and hawks, because it's fenced off and under a low tree.
     
  7. Mar 31, 2012 #4
    centrarchid

    centrarchid Chicken Obsessed

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    Breeds you have repressent probably the most vulnerable to predation by critters like red fox. Hawks even in urban setting will also be a concern. Oversight while free ranging s recommended and be prepared to do more than watch when predator calls. They will visit while you are present so kick butt.
     
  9. Mar 31, 2012 #5
    Suzierd

    Suzierd Overrun With Chickens

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    You are not being paranoid a fox will snatch one right under your nose. They depend on you to protect them, I wish you the best of luck in keeping them safe.
     
  11. Apr 2, 2012 #6
    ChickenPeep

    ChickenPeep Faith & Feathers

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    Olathe, Kansas
    Thanks for the advice everyone. I really appreciate it. [​IMG]
     
  13. Apr 2, 2012 #7
    orumpoultry

    orumpoultry Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I have had coyotes and fox come up and snatch free ranging birds right out from under my nose while doing morning chores before. Just be prepared.
     

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