Barb wire and bobcats...

[buddy phoenix]

it works believe me agricultural lime deters any animal. if you get it on you youll know what i mean no matter what you do it burns you soap n water makes it worse! its like holdin a blow torch to your skin constantly.

 

[Greg in Carpinteria]

My area has a very healthy population of bobcats. I've lost more chickens to them than all other predators combined, and they are very efficient predators who are always watching and waiting for that opportunity. Shooting is not an effective long term strategy as another one will move into the territory vacated by the previous chicken loving occupant surprisingly quickly. They are also very effective at rodent control when they are not eating chickens, and do more to keep down the gopher population in my avocado orchard than any amount of traps or poison, so I'm somewhat conflicted about their presence on my farm.

Those advising an electric fence are absolutely right. Before putting in an electric fence, my losses over the past 5 years were probably 50-60 birds, all of which were taken during the day despite the run being enclosed by a 5' woven wire fence with the top angled out. About 6 months ago I ran 3 hot wires around the perimeter of the fence and have not lost a single chicken since.

I only wish I'd put it up sooner...

 

[zazouse]

it works believe me agricultural lime deters any animal. if you get it on you youll know what i mean no matter what you do it burns you soap n water makes it worse! its like holdin a blow torch to your skin constantly.

Agricultural lime does not burn, special hydrated lime does and that is used for construction projects.

 

[buddy phoenix]

not agri lime you get from a store go tol a farm supply business its different.

 

[JanetS]

Thank you for all your replies. Right now we are busy expanding the run. When we're done we'll probably be looking into the electric fence.