Coyote protection. fence? rooster? guard animal?

[sevenfatcows]

We use electric poultry net all around our ranging areas and coops. It is the best deterrent for any creature that stalks, but not as good for the types that just leap over without skulking around the perimeters first. I have seen a stray dog come in contact with it on more than one occasion- but the same dog never does it twice. We lost birds to a bobcat prior to using the fence, but never after it was installed. A feral cat being fed by a close neighbor took two birds whist that neighbor was away on a cruise. It just cleared the net in a leap; I was able to see it do that one time, so we trapped and removed the cat. After that, we put in a taller net on that vulnerable side of the yard and had no further problems although the neighbor still attracts feral cats and then leaves on long cruises. Our nets come from Premier 1 on line. The selection is really varied. We have been using this for three years plus for our birds who free range about a half acre all day long. It also keeps out steers out of the poultry area...they could just barrel through, but always touch it with a damp nose first, thus they learn to respect it.

 

[Howard E]

X10 on the electric fence.

Although I have netting.......two types.......I actually prefer to use a four wire system. While netting is very tight....meaning almost nothing is going to get through it, it is also a physical barrier that may result in something trying to jump over it.

Animals that encounter my 4 wire fence almost always try to crawl under or through it, almost making it certain they get zapped in the process. Once zapped, they seldom come back for a second dose.

Wire fences are also cheaper for large areas, and are easier to maintain. But either way, do be thinking electric fence to keep your birds safe.

 

[loofa]

You are all fantastic. Thank you so much for all of the input; I really appreciate it. After reading through all of this I'm leaning toward the fence with hotwire idea (but will look into all of the electric options) and getting rooster to help with lookout if my neighbors agree to it, which I think they will - there is enough buffer between houses that I don't think he'll wake them up. You have also encouraged me that I might be able to have pet goats . I had thought they would be more coyote prey.

I honestly like the coyotes, they are beautiful wild things, but I want to do my best to protect the critters under my care.

 

[PirateGirl]

Y

Lots depends on where you live, what the urban/wild interface is.
Here in the Rocky Mountain West, we have coyotes, mountain lions, wolves, but the coyotes are most obvious.
The dogs keep them out of the area around the house. Local sheep and cattle ranchers use dogs: Pyranees are especially good for wide ranging sheep herds, Catahoulas are good for guarding cattle and for treeing mountain lions.
Our pet dogs are a Catahoula (the chicks are hers!) and a flat coat retriever.... In a previous life, friends used goats or llamas to babysit vulnerable herds/flocks.
Goats are great if you can keep them happy.
Depending on where you live, the first line of defense is likely hot wire. This will help with coyotes, fox, raccoons, etc. good luck!

You are the first person who has heard of a catahoula! Haha. My pup is half catahoula and I am in CO as well and the chickens are definitely hers.

 

[PirateGirl]

What about roller bars? Has anyone used them with success?

I have watched coyotes jump fences with ease.

For now my girls are in a secure run because I too worry about neighborhood coyotes.

Also depending how you are zoned, electric fencing may or may not be allowed where you live. Some places are more restrictive than others on types of fencing you are and aren't allowed to have in general. Also depending on zoning trapping and/or shooting may or may not be permitted. Definitely check with local wildlife officials and building department before moving forward with whichever solution seems best for you. Obviously the addition of a donkey or rooster or any other animal would depend on zoning as well. Do your homework before spending too much time/money.

 

[amyburemt]

we use electric mesh fencing. it's moveable. sold by premier1

 

[sevenfatcows]

X10 on the electric fence.

Although I have netting.......two types.......I actually prefer to use a four wire system. While netting is very tight....meaning almost nothing is going to get through it, it is also a physical barrier that may result in something trying to jump over it.

Animals that encounter my 4 wire fence almost always try to crawl under or through it, almost making it certain they get zapped in the process. Once zapped, they seldom come back for a second dose.

Wire fences are also cheaper for large areas, and are easier to maintain. But either way, do be thinking electric fence to keep your birds safe.

 

[PirateGirl]

we use electric mesh fencing. it's moveable. sold by premier1

How tall is it? I've seen coyotes easily jump 3-4 ft. fencing without touching it.

 

[sevenfatcows]

You're so right about the cost of net vs. hot wire fences. We chose the net because it is easy to install ( a cavewoman can do it) and can be pulled up and relocated easily. Thanks for the information on the wire type; I did not realize it could be that good against chicken hunters.

 

[amyburemt]

How tall is it? I've seen coyotes easily jump 3-4 ft. fenciyong without touching it.

you can get it in various heights. mine currently is 4 feet , i don't know what the tallest version of it that you can buy is though. good to know that coyotes can jump high though!