Do number of chickens affect predators?

[MaggieRae]

I'm getting chickens soon and I live in a very predator filled area. Coyotes, racoons, and loose dogs are the norm around here. I was just curious if the number of chickens might affect the amount of animals willing to check out my soon to be predator-proof coop. We're going all out, since I don't want to lose my flock to the dog!!!

I know that I'm getting at least 6... And I'm not getting a rooster because I have some elderly neighbors who come up every weekend that would be making some noise if my roo's were keeping them up.

Oh well.

 

[Henrietta23]

Not a definitive answer but I never had a problem with hawks going after my birds until my numbers increased from a max of 7 to 13 chickens including a rooster, plus 7 ducks. We had our first hawk attack in about 12 years of owning chickens just last month. The other factor is I never had light colored birds before but one of my hens, my rooster and three of my ducks are fairly light colored. As far as overhead predators I do think it's made a difference.

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

interesting question! I don't have an answer, but I do suspect a roo would be easier for predators to hear, thus attracting more predators.

It will be interesting to see what other people have to say.

 

[MaggieRae]

I have heard that hawks go after light colored birds, and you can clear that right up with a turkey *Or darker colored birds*. They're big enough to keep hawks away, apparently.

 

[chicks4kids]

My daughters bus driver has light colored birds, and has a Red Tail Hawk that will literally sit on the nearest tree and stalk...her pen is covered completely and it couldn't possibly get in, but it still looks....

 

[Henrietta23]

Quote:
Wish I had room for one!

 

[MaggieRae]

Exactly what we had to say. I hear loud birds will keep them away too.

 

[crait]

The more chickens you have, the more the preditors will eat. If you have 3, they'll eat 3.
If you have 20, they'll eat 20 of them.

 

[MaggieRae]

So the amount doesn't really affect predators? Aww... I was hoping.

Guess I'm just going to have to go all out predator-proof with the coop like I planned!

 

[bethinoklahoma]

this problem is making me CUSS

Now I have had BLACK big chickens. A pair
rooster and all. NO hawaks. Then I did get a
white hen and no hawaks. Now that I have babys
and two white silkies white turkey and a white polish
the hawaks live here. So far Im down 4 chicks to hawks.
These were getting big, feathers and all. One was white the
rest not. So I would NOT buy white if I had to do it over.
Also lost two to snake. So I am going with alot and a low price
spring if I buy more.