Buff Minorcans in the desert

[dos zetas]

Hello- I am in Texas in the Chihuahuan Desert and and starting my second flock of Buff Minorcans. I have a pretty miserable piece of rock and caliche- similar to their home island.
They have done very well here, but last winter my 15 birds got taken by foxes. Now I have totally fortified my chicken house and yard, underground wire screen and all.
Got 24 new chicks on Mayday.
I am not in the mood to kill the fox, but I have ways of (hopefully) discouraging her. She leaves her scat around my place to irritate me, and I shoot next to her to try to drive her off.
We'll see, I guess.
I have a small herd of donkeys here, it is fun to see how intently they watch the chickens. I say, "Now finally I can get TWO channels- donkeys AND chickens".

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Pretty cool.
I've had White Minorcas and really liked them. Huge eggs.
Where did you find the buffs? I only know of one source for whites.

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! Unfortunately once a predator has killed they will keep coming back for more. I'm not sure if you can trap and release a fox where you live but you may have to contact the local Fish and Game in your area. Best of luck to you!

 

[drumstick diva]

Too bad the donkeys aren't with the chickens - I've heard they hate dog -like animals wolf, coyotes, etc. and will stomp them.

Predators will keep coming back until there isn't anything left. If it is a female fox she may have pups to feed so will be even bolder about "carry out," meals.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Killing off one fox only opens the door for another. There is always another predator waiting to move into anothers territory. So you are best predator proofing your coop and run so they can't get in no matter how many are out there.

Good luck with your flock and welcome to ours!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your flock, and keeping the fox out.

 

[dos zetas]

I asked the local feed store to get them for me- I don't know the name of the hatchery. There are only 1200 breeding flocks of these in the world. That's why they are on the UN species watch.

 

[dos zetas]

Yes, the donkeys will end the life of a vulpine or canine in a minute, unless they know it's a dog that belongs.
I have my coop pretty well fortified, underground wire, tin 24 inches up and buried a foot into the ground.
I am kind of opposed to shooting wild animals, but I am about to make an exception here. This fox has a territory about a mile long and half mile wide, and she is bold as hell, walks down the middle of the streets at night like she owns the town.
I will end up getting her, I suppose, but they are sure nice looking creatures and I hate to do it.

 

[gander007]

 

[dos zetas]

One reason I got the Minorcans is that they can handle the desert heat with no problems.
Mine were born Mayday- when can i start giving them vegetable scraps from the table?
They are on chick starter feed now.