Coyotes on the Rise

[nasber32]

Hey all, a "brief" backstory. I'm from Canada, specifically Ontario. My area is relatively urban, with small wooded areas and large fields nearby. So I do not have to worry about a lot of predators besides Turkey Vultures and Racoons (All of which I have taken proper measures for). However, recently there has been a rise in Coyotes in urban areas of Ontario/Canada. Just recently, 20+ coyotes have been spotted in my area, some less than 5 minutes away. February to April is mating season, and many more are coming. I have 3 beautiful big chickens who I care about a lot. I installed sensors that flash bright light if any predators come near. My worry is not night attacks as I have security cameras inside the coop, and have taken proper measures for night attacks. My worry is the potential day attack, while I am away at school or other commitments. When Researching, the info I found showed coyotes are most active around dusk and dawn, but if desperate will attack during the day. Usually, when nobody in my household is home, I keep them in the run. When my parents are home, they are let out. My main question would be whether or not it is safe to let my chickens roam during the day, in a semi-free roamed area, would the risk be too high?. My entire backyard fence is over 6 feet tall. Any advice or tips to fend coyotes off during the day would be appreciated and protective measures would be great.

Thanks

 

[Mrs. K]

I live in SD, so south of you, but I live on the prairie and my two biggest predators are coons and coyotes.

Coons have come at night. They are very clever and can open a lot of things.

Coyotes have been my daytime predators. They tend to watch them, and snatch one, but never in my coop/run. But just outside my coop/run once or twice, and sometimes when I have been around, but momentarily gone. They are opportunist.

When mine are out of the coop/run, they are in the pasture. I am wondering from the end of the post, if you mean that they will free roam in a 6 foot fenced back yard. If so, I would think that would keep them safe.

Mrs K

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'm in California, and my biggest predators are MANY: possum, owls, raccoons, skunks, coyote, bobcat, bear, mountain lion, hawks, foxes (we have, like, a gazillion foxes).

Electric fencing and aviary netting have kept everything at bay. The only things that aren't deterred are mountain lions. Nothing I can realistically do will deter a determined mountain lion.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

We live in the middle of a corn field with woods around too. And we get lots of coyotes. Best thing we did is get a big dog.

 

[Aunt Angus]

We live in the middle of a corn field with woods around too. And we get lots of coyotes. Best thing we did is get a big dog.

Oh, yes! LGD and other large dogs are very good for deterring predators! I didn't even think of that because it's not an option for me (DH is adamantly opposed). Donkeys are good for that, too, but also not an option for me. Totally slipped my mind.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

My dog is a German shepherd mix. Big boy. Hates coyotes, and the neighbors pit bull.

 

[aart]

My entire backyard fence is over 6 feet tall. Any advice or tips to fend coyotes off during the day would be appreciated and protective measures would be great.

What is the fence made of?
Pics would be helpful here.
It's possible a coyote could scale/jump a 6' fence.
If you are concerned then best to leave them confined to a secure run.

 

[nuthatched]

Security is your best option. Can we see your coop?

 

[Mrs. K]

I think a six foot fence would stop any coyote from jumping. I really have never had any do any digging. My (?) coyotes have always just snatched them free ranging.

True story, once I was butchering two roosters. I caught the first one, culled him, left him on the table outside of the coop and went back to get the second one. Took me a bit more time to catch the second one. When I did, I noticed the first rooster was no longer on the table, but I thought he had just flopped off. Processed my second rooster, and then began to look.

That is a coyote. Quick and opportunist. I yelled out to the open prairie, "If you had waited 20 minutes, I would have plucked him for you!"

Mrs K

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

That has not been my experience, ours seem to come at night and leave carnage then be gone long before we get out there with rifles.