Arizona Chickens

[suezeaa32]

Hi Everyone-


I am in Tucson.  We just became chicken owners in November for my son's 4-H project.  So, we haven't had to deal with summer yet, but I worry about how the heat will affect them.


I've heard a lot of people put frozen water bottles out so the chickens can lay against them when they get hot.  So, I am planning on giving that a try, as well as, lots of water. 


I've also heard that a lot of people put a box fan in the coop to get some air moving.  I like the water sprinkler idea, I will have to consider that.


If you come up with any other ideas that work, be sure to let everyone in Arizona know.  I've kinda grown fond of these little feathered friends of ours, and would hate to lose any of them.

 

[MagicChicken]

Quote:
Yeah, looks bobcat is correct. I found one large cat print in my neighbor's yard this morning, near where it would have been standing to look at me last night. I have no way to keep a bobcat out of the yard. Most of this flock is probably toast. I can protect a few birds in one area that is pretty well secured, but can't secure all of the different pens I need to maintain my breeding program. Bummer.

 

[cavemanrich]

The caveman is not in favor of KILLING anything, but the other side of the coin is you have the right to keep your animals safe. Maybe the County or State Wildlife Department can capture bobcat and help you out.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

Yeah, looks bobcat is correct. I found one large cat print in my neighbor's yard this morning, near where it would have been standing to look at me last night. I have no way to keep a bobcat out of the yard. Most of this flock is probably toast. I can protect a few birds in one area that is pretty well secured, but can't secure all of the different pens I need to maintain my breeding program. Bummer.

I remember reading about PVC or pipes on top of fences & gates that roll so that dog's can't escape. Wonder if that would stop a bobcat?

 

[DesertChic]

The caveman is not in favor of KILLING anything, but the other side of the coin is you have the right to keep your animals safe. Maybe the County or State Wildlife Department can capture bobcat and help you out.

I don't bat an eyelash at dispensing anything that threatens my home, family and livestock. I'd be the one sitting out there with my night sites on and the gun fully loaded.

 

[Banaynaychicken]

Quote:

read an article to see if i could help

Protect Livestock

A bobcat that preys persistently on free-ranging livestock may require relocation or extermination, probably by a government agency or a commercial trapper. Contact your local Department of Fish and Game for assistance with removing bobcats or other predators from your area.
A bobcat might also be discouraged from attacking livestock by a fence, if practicable. The Los Angeles Animal Services, on its Internet site, suggests that the fence should be at least 6 feet high, with the bottom extended some 6 to 12 inches below ground and the top protected by an outward-facing 16-inch wide-angle extension. (Without the wide-angle extension, the bobcat could likely jump the fence.)


Read more: http://www.desertusa.com/animals/bobcat-control.html#ixzz4Rzpb3YVJ

 

[BlueBaby]

I don't bat an eyelash at dispensing anything that threatens my home, family and livestock. I'd be the one sitting out there with my night sites on and the gun fully loaded.

I know what you mean. Me, too!

 

[Banaynaychicken]

Quote: SAME!! I would sit on the back porch in sub zero with my rifle and a cup of cocoa just to protect my sweet birds!

im tempted to start shoothing anything in the yard that isn;t my dog or my chickens because i tell you what those javelina are about to pi** me off for the last time -_-

they are trying to dig into my coop!

 

[BlueBaby]

read an article to see if i could help

Protect Livestock

A bobcat that preys persistently on free-ranging livestock may require relocation or extermination, probably by a government agency or a commercial trapper. Contact your local Department of Fish and Game for assistance with removing bobcats or other predators from your area.
A bobcat might also be discouraged from attacking livestock by a fence, if practicable. The Los Angeles Animal Services, on its Internet site, suggests that the fence should be at least 6 feet high, with the bottom extended some 6 to 12 inches below ground and the top protected by an outward-facing 16-inch wide-angle extension. (Without the wide-angle extension, the bobcat could likely jump the fence.)


Read more: http://www.desertusa.com/animals/bobcat-control.html#ixzz4Rzpb3YVJ

Maybe something sharp could be placed at the top so that it would cut paws if they tried to jump?

 

[Banaynaychicken]

Quote: barbed wire might work but bobbies are crafty crafty crafty.

maybe the scent of a bigger wild cat would scare them off.

now where to get lion urine XD