Bantams as scape goats?

[Pent]

We have a lot of big predatory birds in our area. I want to be able to let my little flock out in the yard every once in a while, but I'm worried my prized layers will get picked off. Has anyone ever tried using a mix breed bantam or two as a kind of fainting goat, solely there as a smaller, easier meal for preds? They eat less and don't lay decent sized eggs, don't take up much room, and I could possibly get chicks for a low price.

I know its a pretty raw deal for the bantams, but I can't have a roo in my area (well, I could, but I'd rather everyone around didn't hate me), and I question the effectiveness of a roped dog. They'd probably be fine, but if something does happen, better to know without losing one of my SLW or EEs.

 

[shmccarthy]

It really depends on the predator I think. I have a mixed flock of bantams and standard sized chickens and when a fox attacked my flock when they were free ranging, he only took the bigger ones. He didn't take a single bantam. I don't know if it was because they were slower and less flighty or if he wanted a bigger meal. It all depends what the predator wants/feels like it can catch.

 

[JackE]

I think a fox would go for a layer as fast as he would a bantam. I've lost a few birds to the fox. What works for me is 600' of electrified poultry netting. They get out all day, and I don't have to worry about them.
Jack

 

[theoldchick]

Nope, won't work. Those bantams are faster, smarter, and harder to see in the brush than a larger, slower, less predator savvy production hen. Sorry, when it comes to predators it is the luck of draw as who gets nailed for supper.

If your livestock provides income for you, protect them at all costs. That is YOUR job.

 

[Pent]

I was talking flying predators, not foxes. They can strike out of the sky in an instant if I have to go inside, and even if I don't. I had a hawk take a pass at a ferret on a leash with me holding the other end once. And I know its my job to protect them, that's why they have a run that's secured like fort knox. However I wanted to let them free-range for a bit, and I have a toddler, so I can't exactly sit out and watch them for hours.

If you don't think it would work I won't bother. Its just a practice used in other animals, and I figured a hawk would see a Bantam as a smaller, easier target. If they're fast, they might be chosen as a target initially, but escape better than the larger, slower hens would.

Also they don't provide my income; Its just a small backyard layer flock.

 

[theoldchick]

You can try allowing limited time free range. I've read about several folks on byc allowing the flock out about an hour before sunset. That way the chickens stay nearby and go back to roost in the coop without having to be chased or bribed back in. Having said that, any predator will strike at any time. And any time you allow chickens to free range you will lose them to predators. Having bantams may reduce the risk of having one of your layers taken. Although simply increasing the size of your flock with any kind of chicken will do that.

Good luck!