I seen the other thread reguarding geese as watchdogs... I didn't want to take that thread by asking my questions so I made a new one.
I currently use my pyrenees to gaurd most of the flock but this year with over 1500 layers expected I'm not sure she can do the job.
My situation is a stationary coop with four paddocks of grass. 500 birds per coop, they are allowed in one paddock at a time. I'm not worried about four legged critters, but however I am worried about the hawks. Will geese keep the hawks away? I would like to keep some if they will protect the flock but if they don't I won't waste my time. But if I get a persistant hawk it may take a chicken a day until I change it's eating habbits somehow. It's an issue that I'm not looking foward to but March 10th I get the first round of started pullets here. The flock will start out at 250 and increase over time. How many geese will I need to protect 250 pastured layers? I've had geese before and know they are very aggressive so this might work?
I live on government property so I can shoot, kill, or trap any of the predators around here. I can go to my neighbors and trap but not on my property. It sucks but the national park service just won't allow it.
I currently use my pyrenees to gaurd most of the flock but this year with over 1500 layers expected I'm not sure she can do the job.
My situation is a stationary coop with four paddocks of grass. 500 birds per coop, they are allowed in one paddock at a time. I'm not worried about four legged critters, but however I am worried about the hawks. Will geese keep the hawks away? I would like to keep some if they will protect the flock but if they don't I won't waste my time. But if I get a persistant hawk it may take a chicken a day until I change it's eating habbits somehow. It's an issue that I'm not looking foward to but March 10th I get the first round of started pullets here. The flock will start out at 250 and increase over time. How many geese will I need to protect 250 pastured layers? I've had geese before and know they are very aggressive so this might work?
I live on government property so I can shoot, kill, or trap any of the predators around here. I can go to my neighbors and trap but not on my property. It sucks but the national park service just won't allow it.