- Sep 15, 2013
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I need advice! We are so frustrated, here in Central FL, with trying to keep our sweet hens safe while free ranging. We have a very safe and secure Hen House built out in one of our horse pastures, alongside their lean-to shelters. We have never lost a hen at night or inside. But we started with 20 hens-a variety of breeds-and we are down to 3 now because of the darn hawks and VERY AGGRESSIVE OWL that I watched just pick up our favorite girl and take her away, feathers flying everywhere!
We know all the benefits to letting them free range--and they obviously love being turned loose everyday--but I want to know if there is any kind of "protector" I can get for them, other than a rooster? (And this darn Owl would take on a Rooster for sure.) We have turned our horses out in the same pasture with the hens, hoping that would deter the predators, but NOPE. It's happening about every other day now. How many chickens does an Owl need to eat before they are full?!!
Moving the Hen House closer to the Barn is not an option, and I really don't want roosters because I think my neighbors will complain about the noise. Is my only option, maybe getting only the biggest chicken breeds I can? We have an Orpington that got attacked by the Owl, but she put up a fight and is still with us. And the bigger breeds aren't the best egg layers, so I'm at a loss of what to do.
Anyone have any ideas of how to keep them safe? Any chicken-friendly farm animal that will chase off Owls and Hawks? Or do my girls just have to live indoors?
Thanks for your help!
We know all the benefits to letting them free range--and they obviously love being turned loose everyday--but I want to know if there is any kind of "protector" I can get for them, other than a rooster? (And this darn Owl would take on a Rooster for sure.) We have turned our horses out in the same pasture with the hens, hoping that would deter the predators, but NOPE. It's happening about every other day now. How many chickens does an Owl need to eat before they are full?!!
Moving the Hen House closer to the Barn is not an option, and I really don't want roosters because I think my neighbors will complain about the noise. Is my only option, maybe getting only the biggest chicken breeds I can? We have an Orpington that got attacked by the Owl, but she put up a fight and is still with us. And the bigger breeds aren't the best egg layers, so I'm at a loss of what to do.
Anyone have any ideas of how to keep them safe? Any chicken-friendly farm animal that will chase off Owls and Hawks? Or do my girls just have to live indoors?
Thanks for your help!