Perfect example of what I mean when I say breed matters. Birds blend right in
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Color has very little impact when birds actively foraging in an area the predators know chickens are concentrated in. Hens brooding are a different story as are chicks trying to hide
I've crawled through a swamp like an alligator hunting chickens before. I assure you that color makes a tremendous difference in natural settingsColor has very little impact when birds actively foraging in an area the predators know chickens are concentrated in. Hens brooding are a different story as are chicks trying to hide
I have been keeping chickens free range for the better part of 50 years. Most of those chickens have been American Gamefowl that typically raised in free-range settings. They come in a broad range of colorations. They will match anything you people have when it comes to avoiding predators using primarily vision. It is behavior of the birds that is far more important and that takes precedence over physical abilities in most situations. Much of the behavior is learnedI've crawled through a swamp like an alligator hunting chickens before. I assure you that color makes a tremendous difference in natural settings
We do not free range ours for the same reason, abundance of predators. We have built an huge run, that we are expanding which gives them plenty of space to feel like they are free ranging. I am too emotionally attached to them to risk their safety.So I’ve been terrified to let my girls free range for many reasons. One I’m worried they won’t come back (silly I know). Two I’m worried about predators. We live on about 25 acres so lots of possibilities. We have had issues with our neighbors young dogs jumping the fence so they are my main concern besides cats. Most other predators come out at night. Thoughts? Am I nuts? My family thinks I’m over thinking it. PSA they have a big outdoor area and we have 20 chickens.
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I have been keeping chickens free range for the better part of 50 years. Most of those chickens have been American Gamefowl that typically raised in free-range settings. They come in a broad range of colorations. They will match anything you people have when it comes to avoiding predators using primarily vision. It is behavior of the birds that is far more important and that takes precedence over physical abilities in most situations. Much of the behavior is learned
Does this indicate an aerial predator, Storm?hasn't happened during the day, no bones were left, just a round patch of feathers.
I don't know. Words I don't eagerly put into print.Does this indicate an aerial predator, Storm?