Coyote Attack After Rain - Questions about Free Ranging

[jimbob86]

When they run out of chickens, or can't get to them, they may go after your dog.

 

[donrae]

Or cat. I hear they prefer the calicos.

 

[Jesusfreak101]

Coyotes dont care what time a meal is as long as its as its a meal. I grew up in a suburban area in austin and i was walking my dog up and down and he (coyote) came out of no where and was acting agressive to me so i let my dog off her lease and she fought him and chased him away. It happened twice the second time she chased him for over two hours then finally came home if it hadnt been for her who knows what he would have done. He had no fear of humans and most dont in those areas. If you call animal control or parks and wild life they will take care of it because the boldness of this animal that has become a dangrous animal to humans. I would be more worried that if he cant get your chickens he go for something he can get ahold of.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have all those predators too. When coyotes find you, they will be back. I think they are the worst. Here are few things that I do, that have helped:

First you do need a totally enclosed run, big enough that you can keep your flock in there 24/7.

Do not let your birds out at the same time every day. Predators key into routine.

Do not let your birds out on rainy, dark days, or even heavily overcast days.

Do not let your birds out on real windy days, it interferes with your bird's hearing.

If you get hit by a predator, leave your birds locked up for several days, this will make the predator move on for something to eat. And it also tends to make your birds stay a little closer to the set up.

I have found an adult, over a year old rooster to be effective, but not fool proof in predator awareness.

It sucks when you get hit, ..... but then you can add chicks!

MRs K

 

[jessica8804]

This really helps!! Thank you so much. my father in law think that it was a young coyote being trained on how to hunt Also I would call animal control, but I just got done fighting the city for chickens to be legal here. The verdict was that backyard chickens are not allowed here, but I am grandfathered in so I get to keep what I have.... I don't want to call any negative attention. Will animal control or the DNR notify the city? I can just call bc of my 2 french bulldogs, but once anyone gets here its obvious that I have chickens. And this is a small town, if something is mentioned to anyone in city hall they will recognize my address. My husband and I are ready an able to defend our "family" just kind of new to coyotes! Conquered raccoon and the city, next coyotes?! eek

 

[aart]

This really helps!! Thank you so much. my father in law think that it was a young coyote being trained on how to hunt Also I would call animal control, but I just got done fighting the city for chickens to be legal here. The verdict was that backyard chickens are not allowed here, but I am grandfathered in so I get to keep what I have.... I don't want to call any negative attention. Will animal control or the DNR notify the city? I can just call bc of my 2 french bulldogs, but once anyone gets here its obvious that I have chickens. And this is a small town, if something is mentioned to anyone in city hall they will recognize my address. My husband and I are ready an able to defend our "family" just kind of new to coyotes! Conquered raccoon and the city, next coyotes?! eek

Ahh I wondered about the 'legal chicken' aspect.
Might be DNR would be the best bet, mention the pet dogs instead of chickens.
Course could be that one of the reasons they don't want to make chickens legal is exactly because they can draw predators like coyotes.
Sounds like you're stuck between a rock and hard place.

Are coyotes a problem in other situations in your area?
What is your location?

 

[Jesusfreak101]

Ok the with all that and this isnt something i normally would suggest because i think its cruel and it not going to be a popular view, but besides setting a trap for it and if you really dont want the county involed the only other thing you can do is prepare a dead chicken with poison and let said coyote take it its mean but its also your live stock and possibly other animals or kids. Like i said before this isnt an ideal i would normal suggest, i couldnt do it but i am blessed to live not only in Texas but on a ranch were i can use guns freely. I have a healthy respect and possible slightly unhealthy fear of coyotes so yeah.

 

[bobbi-j]

The problem with poison is the unintended target issue. Not only could a coyote get that poisoned bait, so could one or both of the pet dogs, a neighbor's cat, OP's chickens or wild bird that visit the yard.

OP, I would suggest building a nice, roomy, secure run for your birds. Lock them up for a few weeks and the coyote will most likely move on.

 

[bigt447]

Totally agree you need a secure run,easiest obtained with multiple strands of electric fence just outside your run fencing.