Hi Everyone!
I'll have my first little flock this spring. What are some of your tried-and-true tips for avoiding bear problems? I understand to lock-up the girls at night and be sure to have strong latches, doors, and secured ventilation openings. Is it ok for ventilation openings that are covered with hardware cloth not to have a shutter or other closure, too, as long as the opening isn't bit enough for a visitor to stick their nippy head in? I think I'll have a lightweight, covered-top run that can be moved around the yard separate from the coop in the safety of daytime, or an ark-style tractor.
How about coop designs that can't be tipped over easily?
We have coyotes, raccoons, and small bears. Our neighbors laughed when we said we wanted to have chickens this summer. They told us, "Good luck with that!" They said they continually lost chickens when they tried. They had a cougar run across their yard some years ago. Although those are rare here. But there are plenty of farms all around here with chickens and I'm sure many of you keep lovely flocks with predators around. So I'd be thankful for your wise advice!
We also have German Shorthair hunting dogs from their house and kennel aways away that are a good alarm alert system at night for anything any distance around!
Thank you!
I'll have my first little flock this spring. What are some of your tried-and-true tips for avoiding bear problems? I understand to lock-up the girls at night and be sure to have strong latches, doors, and secured ventilation openings. Is it ok for ventilation openings that are covered with hardware cloth not to have a shutter or other closure, too, as long as the opening isn't bit enough for a visitor to stick their nippy head in? I think I'll have a lightweight, covered-top run that can be moved around the yard separate from the coop in the safety of daytime, or an ark-style tractor.
How about coop designs that can't be tipped over easily?
We have coyotes, raccoons, and small bears. Our neighbors laughed when we said we wanted to have chickens this summer. They told us, "Good luck with that!" They said they continually lost chickens when they tried. They had a cougar run across their yard some years ago. Although those are rare here. But there are plenty of farms all around here with chickens and I'm sure many of you keep lovely flocks with predators around. So I'd be thankful for your wise advice!
We also have German Shorthair hunting dogs from their house and kennel aways away that are a good alarm alert system at night for anything any distance around!
Thank you!
