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flock guarding?

Discussion in 'Predators and Pests' started by Kevin565, Dec 22, 2009.

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  1. Dec 22, 2009 #1
    Kevin565

    Kevin565 Chicken Obsessed Premium Member

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    I decided on trying to make my flock free range. are there any types of fowl that are good at guarding a flock? The main predators would be stray cats. in the summer every once in a while a opossum will pop up but mainly just the cats.

    roosters can stand up to cats?

    Also if i got a rooster would it be okay with 2 ducks and 2 geese(the geese are not aggressive and wont fight,kinda of a problem when it comes to guarding)
     
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2009
  3. Dec 22, 2009 #2
    Thortherooster

    Thortherooster Chillin' With My Peeps

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    roosters, guard dogs, geese (omg), quinea hens,
     
  5. Dec 22, 2009 #3
    CMV

    CMV Flock Mistress

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    Tom turkeys, roosters and geese have all been used for flock guardians. Guineas will alert the flock to danger by screeching at the top of their lungs. Just be aware that these birds are all as vulnerable to predation as your chickens. They may protect the flock by being the first ones killed, but then what protection does the flock have?

    There is one thing to consider before having tom turkeys, geese and roosters in with your chickens- who will protect the flock from them? There are a lot of stories of turkeys and geese killing chickens and smaller waterfowl. Not a great solution.
     

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