Do chickens attract unnecessary predators?

[nereidlover]

I'm still in the planning/learning phase of my chicken obsession, so bear with me. I'm fully aware that chickens will invite predators, and we will do everything we can to predator proof our coop and run. That being said, our area is full of coyotes, foxes, bobcats, snakes, raccoons, and who knows what else. We live in a heavily wooded area of east Texas on several acres. We bought the land from my father, who is sure that my chickens are going to open us up to copious amounts of predators hanging around. He says my chihuahuas, who are sometimes in a chain link fenced area behind the house, will fall victim to these extra predators. My question is, is this really something to worry about? I really want my chickens.

 

[GasMenagerie]

Your little dogs will pull in predators. too. Many people lose dogs to coyotes where I am.

I think what happens is that the predators are just more noticeable and will linger a bit more if you have something that would be tempting to them. Otherwise, they just go through your property and you don't know because there's no sign of something digging at your coop!

As long as the chickens (and dogs!!) are kept in an appropriate area, you should be fine. But plan your coop very, very well!!

 

[chfite]

The predators are likely already there, just unnoticed. They may be attracted to your chickens, but safe shelter for the chickens will discourage the predators from lingering.

Hawks have flown over our house for years. Now we have chickens; and the hawks still fly over the house. The snakes don't bother the big chickens, when there are snack-sized chipmunks available. The chickens ate the last black snake in the run.

We have coyotes and raccoons, but no problems from them. They may be discouraged by the Australian Shepherd.

Chris