Flock decimated.......

[Ms Biddy]

I would be setting out traps in my case if I didn't have 5 barn cats that I don't want to hurt!!

First, I'm very sorry for your loss. I always hate to see a new post of someone losing their flock.

A game camera would go a long way in helping you know exactly what you're up against. As far as traps, if you use large havahart style traps I believe your barn cats will learn to avoid them after being caught a few times. They're just one part of a comprehensive predator defense though. Best of luck to you!

 

[Shorty22366]

Sorry to hear of your losses, but I must say, and not to be harsh, as long as you continue to do the same thing, you can expect the same results. I hope by now you've learned that you can NOT free range your birds unless you are physically out there watching over them to protect them, and to try and determine what is killing them.

Until then, you need a very strong run, adequate in size for the numbers of birds you'll be keeping, covered with bird netting to keep airborne predators at bay, and with skirting to keep diggers out.

Wishing you better luck/success moving forward.

Sometime a predator gets your chickens weather you are out there or not.
Good luck on your next flock.

 

[llombardo]

It’s not the roosters job to to defend YOUR flock,yes,he is helpful it spotting and caring hens to safety,but not every rooster is goign to attack a predator,and even if he did,it isn’t likely he can stop a predator of may sort unfortunately,at the end of the day it’s us owners job to care for the flock and defend them.

Agreed. Mine has crowed twice in the middle of the night, both times there was something lurking around. He got my attention. Last night the dog spotted a raccoon. My boy did not crow because he knew I was out there and I was every hour and I left the dogs to go in and out. I do not want my dogs going for a raccoon or skunk but I would hope they are good deterrents. It's up to me to protect ALL of them.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

The word decimate is used to describe the loss of 1/10th of a population, so you've actually suffered a much greater loss than that. Sorry for your loss though, especially the ducks.

How about 'Annihilation'....... or perhaps, 'Massacre'?

 

[dpenning]

It sounds pretty good, were the losses prior to the reinforcements or when free ranging?