Canadians check in here....

[Rosalyn K]

I just got a dozen wheaten/blue wheaten maran eggs to stick under my plethora of broodies. I’m excited for them! Although my luck it’ll be 10 cockerels and 2 pullets

I found out the hard way last year that predators prefer Marans pullets. Last fall, I let my 4 mo old ones out for an hour a day when I was in the barn. If a week 10 were gone including 6 Ameraucana pullets and 4 Barred Rock hens. I was still muttering about this the next day at work and one of my co-workers said the guys (predators ) couldn't go home without their anniversary dinners. What would the Mrs say! B-)

 

[EarEigna]

Predators prefer whatever your favourite hen or breed might be. It’s like they can mind read.

I had a blue maran and black copper maran hen I finally managed to find and buy. The blue got heat stress and died, the black copper never laid an egg the entire year I had her and then she got eaten by an owl

I’ve found the best way to not lose any chickens to coyotes is to let my extra bachelor roosters free range. Don’t seem to ever lose one of those. Let out my nice flock of favourites and it’s like the dinner bell rang!

 

[Rosalyn K]

Predators prefer whatever your favourite hen or breed might be. It’s like they can mind read.

I had a blue maran and black copper maran hen I finally managed to find and buy. The blue got heat stress and died, the black copper never laid an egg the entire year I had her and then she got eaten by an owl

I’ve found the best way to not lose any chickens to coyotes is to let my extra bachelor roosters free range. Don’t seem to ever lose one of those. Let out my nice flock of favourites and it’s like the dinner bell rang!

I agree. I have checked into the predators that live or hunt on our 40 acres. Great horned owls, Golden Eagles, Bittern Red-tailed Hawk, various smaller owls, coyotes and recently a weasel. Also, neighbours dogs and a few cats. So far this year, I have lost 5 roosters to coyotes plus 1 recovering, 2 hens to a weasel, and 2 hens to something. So, no more free ranging without supervision. I set live traps for the coyotes and so far caught my dog. lol.
Last fall the Great Horned Owls screamed most if one night when I moved the chickens from the coop to the barn for the winter. They were so mad.

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

I'm getting over run with coyotes this year. The east property line backs on to a reservation, so there are a fair # of dogs that wander over here. We saw a fisher the other night. I've also got a skunk that has made it into the coop twice. Funny thing is, it just checks everything out and leaves. Hasn't stolen any eggs or harmed my birds. Evidently there's a cougar in the area too, but I haven't found any signs of it.
So far I haven't lost anyone to predators, so I've got my fingers crossed.

 

[itsasmallfarm]

i know where insane with coyotes and coons here. had a mink and weasel last year as well (or was it this year? not sure)

as a trapper i just catch/trap/shoot my predators, caught a mink and weasel last winter, and tried to trap coyotes with no luck (thankfully a neighbor we think shot quite a few coyotes during winter) and caught 3 coons in a DP traps in the last month or so. (and that is taking a week off to go camping so no traps set)

 

[itsasmallfarm]

I agree. I have checked into the predators that live or hunt on our 40 acres. Great horned owls, Golden Eagles, Bittern Red-tailed Hawk, various smaller owls, coyotes and recently a weasel. Also, neighbours dogs and a few cats. So far this year, I have lost 5 roosters to coyotes plus 1 recovering, 2 hens to a weasel, and 2 hens to something. So, no more free ranging without supervision. I set live traps for the coyotes and so far caught my dog. lol.
Last fall the Great Horned Owls screamed most if one night when I moved the chickens from the coop to the barn for the winter. They were so mad.

coyotes are really smart very tough to trap in a live trap. (like cage style).

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

My neighbour has a spot well away from his livestock where he does his slaughters. There is a clear sightline from his house. Of course the spot draws in coyotes. He just sits on his deck and waits. Then shoots them when they come in to feed.

 

[Bound to Sea]

I found out the hard way last year that predators prefer Marans pullets. Last fall, I let my 4 mo old ones out for an hour a day when I was in the barn. If a week 10 were gone including 6 Ameraucana pullets and 4 Barred Rock hens. I was still muttering about this the next day at work and one of my co-workers said the guys (predators ) couldn't go home without their anniversary dinners. What would the Mrs say! B-)

 

[Bound to Sea]

Hi everyone! Need help with my hens. I have a mixed flock. Two year old Silkie laying with my two Amerucaunas that were introduced in Dec 2017.Amerucaunas are 9 months old. I have a two year olds GLW, RIR, Speckled Sussex and Cohin. Everyone stopped laying in January. RiR molted in Feb. No one has layed since. I read about ceyenne pepper and did that for 2 days and now the Cochin is laying. They get 16 hours light in coop and they free range everyday. It is a small coop but they only roost in it. Cannot find hiding nests. Changed food to higher protein, they get dried worms/ sunflower seeds/ layer feed/ been dewormed/ several freding/water stations. No parasites. They are not fed alot of treats. Why are they not laying? Especially the Sussex, RIR and Wyndotte breeds? Thank you!!

 

[Bound to Sea]

the coop and chicken pic