Falcons and raccoons

[ClapperCounty]

We're new to having chicks and ducks, we did some research and jumped right in! We have 8 chicks, 2 mallards, and then added 2 Pekin ducklings. We'd like to free range them but now I'm not sure. Our lab/shepherd has killed 4 raccoons since we moved in 9 months ago. We see falcons and osprey daily! There are 3 that regularly circulate around where we live. We have quite a few farms close by that free range but I'm afraid our fenced in yard might make them easier targets? Everyone is still safe in the garage for now. Will a falcon try to pick up a full grown hen or Pekin? Do motion lights deter nighttime predators at all? Thanks for any info!!!

 

[chfite]

Tough call. Mine are out everyday. They have many places to hide within 10 - 15 feet of where they are most of the time. The rooster watches out, the dog is out there with them, the crows harass the hawks. I haven't lost any.

The other day my daughter and I were outside talking, chickens all around, dog lying on the ground with the chickens. Around the house comes a hawk, coming in fast. It appeared that he suddenly saw all of us from the new vantage point past the garage and pulled up. The rooster went berserk, chickens ran for cover. The hawk flew away.

I guess he did not see us at first, when he started his approach.

We have hawks all the time.

At night, everyone is in Fort Knox.

Chris