Certain breeds that will alert rest of flock of danger?

[cubanfarmer]

Having a rooster isn't a cure-all. We had two big rhode island red roosters who protected our other eight hens. I felt that the chickens would be safe with them around. Our chickens and two ducks have been free-ranging for the past few months with no problems. Our roosters would attack my pitbull if he got to close!! Two days ago I came home to see two piles of red feathers. Both roosters, gone, just like that, in the middle of the day. The next day we put the girls in their wire run, but there is a small hole on the top, which I thought I had covered enough. That night, I came home, all of the hens were roosting on top of the cage (which they always loved to do) some how they had gotten out, and had probably been ranging all day, which is what they are used to. When putting them in their coop for the night, I sawi was missing two of my Barred Rocks. We are now down to just six very depressed hens. So I believe that you should construct a good, sturdy run if you want them safe. I am sad that my girls won't be able to run around anymore, but it is worth it to keep them safe. Btw, my duck, Gary (who is female

) has never been happier now that the roosters are gone. She must be quite a looker in the bird world, because as soon as the roosters matured, they wouldn't stay off of her! It was quite sad, as she became very quiet and withdrawn. However, the day after the attacks, she was quacking up a storm! Silver lining,I guess.

 

[juliawitt]

I don't think that any particular breed is important, as much as personality. Chickens are a study in sociology. If you watch your chickens, you can see where the phrase, 'pecking order' comes from. There is always the alpha chicken....or as I call her/him, the chicken 'in charge'. The alpha will have it's special friends. If you watch, you can spot your chicken in charge. Each chicken has a position in the flock. There usually is a chicken in charge of patrolling or looking out for the others. I recently lost my alpha chicken, but all ready, I have seen one of her lietenants stepping up to the plate. Now that my head chicken is gone, my golden laced wyandottes are patrolling. One 'Bah' and the others are heading for the coop.

 

[coltsfoot]

Quote:
interesting... so are there any roles that the chickens assume other than alpha and sentry? I also wonder if this means that there is a minimum number for a flock to operate effectively so that all roles are filled, with a couple of back-ups.


Thanks for all the info everyone!

 

[ccshambhala]

anconas are supposed to be good in areas with hawks. We free range and that is why I got them. They are beautiful birds and EXCELLENT layers. I do not know why they aren't more popular!!

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/anconas.html

 

[Oregon Blues]

My ganders miss absolutely nothing, day or night. They are also big enough to give a hawk pause, although they will not defend anyone except the goose and goslings.

The only sure fire way to deal with hawks is a covered run. Anything else and you are going to lose birds.

 

[Aj1911]

guineas need about 1 acre minimum to work well, my 12 do fine on 2.75 acres, they are loud but man do they work, mine have ran off raccoons in the middle of the day even, havent lost a chicken yet, all tho there has been some foxes around i need to deal with

geese, guineas or roosters are your best bets or a large LGD like a maremma