Goat buck as predator repellent...

[Kadjain]

I just thought I would put this up for anyone seeking drastic measures to keep predators away.
While my neighbors lose chickens all the time to coons, skunks and bobcats, I have never lost a chicken to any predator other than hawks and I never lock up my birds at night (and the hawks have only got my young chicks). One neighbor lost her whole flock to a bobcat that lives near. I have dogs but my neighbors all have dogs too so I don't think they are the repelling factor. I am the only one on my road who has goats and I have 2 bucks with horns. The bucks carry a very strong musky smell and can also be aggressive towards anyone new in their yard. I imagine that the smell of the bucks and their interest in anything or anyone new in their yard is making
any smaller predator think twice before entering the yard with them in it. I can't think of any other reason why my neighbors would lose birds all the time and I have never had a problem.

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Thank you so much for sharing, I have always looked into goats, but not sure the neighbors would like the baaing. I do have a bobcat problem, and now that the guys who are working on building something next door are almost done, it's probably going to come back.

Thanks again

 

[Lindalu1450]

I also live in Humboldt Co! We have miniature donkeys and so far no problems with predators. We've only had the chickens here a month, though. I'm hoping the donks will at least sound the alarm if anything comes around!

 

[Kadjain]

Thank you so much for sharing, I have always looked into goats, but not sure the neighbors would like the baaing. I do have a bobcat problem, and now that the guys who are working on building something next door are almost done, it's probably going to come back.

Thanks again

If you're worried about the neighbors not appreciating the baaing (aka bleating) then a big smelly aggressive buck is probably out of the question but I know does and wethers (neutered male) would still be an intimidating sight to small predators.

I also live in Humboldt Co! We have miniature donkeys and so far no problems with predators. We've only had the chickens here a month, though. I'm hoping the donks will at least sound the alarm if anything comes around!

Oh yeah, miniature donkeys will run any unfamiliar animal out of their yard. I know a couple that breed mini donks here just up the hill from me. You don't happen to live on a cliff over looking the 36?