Predators are a huge pain for me also. I've delt with coons, fox, coyote, owls, hawks, & the most pesty of them all is other peoples dogs. Like most, I have lost a few birds here and their, and I have even had a devestating loss which I think was from coons. I've set traps; have caught tons of coons, some fox & coyotes. I have even set up snares up for coyotes (I know I am a horrible person). I even went straight to the Rutger 10-22, it's fun, but they are still around. What has worked the best for me is Baxter. He is a 16 month old Old English Sheepdog. Not only is he a cute, loyal, and fun family pet; he will go after anything that comes too near. The trick is, (and it is a trick, that I am still working on) you have to teach him to leave your birds alone. They instinctively attack to herd and protect sheep & goats. Their are other breeds of dogs that will do the trick, but I give high marks to the sheep dog. I hear the Great Pyrenees is the best dogs for predator control, others like the border collie & Aussie shepard I hear are too bright & will sometimes still go after your flock here and their when you are not around (which has been the same for the sheep dog).
For me, I could never trap or shoot all of my predators, but if you are in a more urban area, and if you trapped 9 or 10 coons and a coyote or 2, then I would do it and tell the hippies at animal control to jump. You have the right to rid your property of pest and predators.
Another thing you can do is run a hot wire around your coop. Tractor supply sell a solar powered unit for 80 bucks. The 14 gauge wire is pretty cheap, and you would probally only need a few insulators. I'd guess for a $100 bucks or less you could keep most anything out.
Also, dont give totally up yet. When something gets in your coop and startles your birds they scatter, and try to hide. You still might have a bird or two wonder home once they feel its safe.
For me, I could never trap or shoot all of my predators, but if you are in a more urban area, and if you trapped 9 or 10 coons and a coyote or 2, then I would do it and tell the hippies at animal control to jump. You have the right to rid your property of pest and predators.
Another thing you can do is run a hot wire around your coop. Tractor supply sell a solar powered unit for 80 bucks. The 14 gauge wire is pretty cheap, and you would probally only need a few insulators. I'd guess for a $100 bucks or less you could keep most anything out.
Also, dont give totally up yet. When something gets in your coop and startles your birds they scatter, and try to hide. You still might have a bird or two wonder home once they feel its safe.
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