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You are SO right! While we do lose a few, we hedge our bets. No bantams that would invite the airborne predators, younger birds are kept penned. We boundry train our dogs and run a large dog (a boundry marking male seems useful against coyotes, but I never leave one of my intact males out without supervision) and a pair of small "alarm" dogs. We use rescue terrier/chi mixes, not indoor pets. Hot wire and BB guns usually deter the neighbors curious dog if you catch them before they get out of hand to begin with.
When I lose a bird, I try to see what I missed. Killing this predator is short term since it will soon be replaced. Management/Prevention is the way to go. Be prepared BEFORE you bring birds in, forums like this are a great resourse for that.
Yes, breed selection is important so avoiding batams and like is wise. Although just because a breed is historically known to be a proficient flyer or otherwise good at avoiding predators does not mean that is so now. Ability has been lost through hatchery selection with some. Another issue is learning that predators are predators and what to do when they visit. This year I had opportunity to observe first visit by a juvenile red fox. It would have bungled job of catching a couple juveniles if it were not for fact the birds did not realize fox was bad news. First bird did not even try to run. Second flew a little piece but settled down right in front of fox and was lost as well. Remaining birds figured simply flying into trees or onto roof of house was all that was needed to get away. Most birds lost would have survived if appropriate response was given in time.
I wish I had a pet fox to challenge chickens with at the beginning of each production year to show who to watch for and what to do.
