Hidden predator?

[24279102]

Well, I'm just saying that this worked for me.

 

[HennyPenny2019]

So far... Maybe it depends on the squirrel species...
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2835&context=gbn

It ONLY takes once... One BYC'er even SAW a Turkey Vulture attack her chicken... despite the fact that vultures aren't considered predators... Nature adapts and NEW behaviors are seen ALL the time. It's both cool and scary.

I read in Country Life. Agazine where people had Geese to free range with their chickens to act as protectors. Has anyone on here tried this?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I read in Country Life. Agazine where people had Geese to free range with their chickens to act as protectors. Has anyone on here tried this?

I imagine it may work for some and maybe not others... Since there are so many individual factors at play in every circumstance.

My son's gf's mom (haha) has/had chickens, ducks, and geese... The chickens are ALL gone to predators now... and the ducks and geese despite being raised together no longer interact after maturing and raising their own families... is my understanding. Basically crud rolls down hill with the strongest species being on top. This could be partly keeper related. The geese are aggressive towards EVERY one who approaches except their direct owner. My son and his gf hate going over there for that reason and can no longer walk the pasture without a stick to defend themselves... Not my personal cup of tea.

On the other hand... once the aggressive toms and (turkey) hens that killed my friends chihuahua and one of their Silkies were harvested.. the two turkey hens that are left behind totally protect the chicken flock and even close ranks to protect against overly amorous cockerels!

Really, to me... it depends on what type of predator you are trying to protect against... Only protection against a mink/weasel that I can think of would be secured shelter... Even that is just a layer, and can be challenged... as we continue see animals that can chew through both wood and even concrete!

I have heard of guard lamas. But again.. knowing my own predator load... best animal MIGHT be a livestock guardian dog... at least they will have a chance against most of MY predators. It's a constant barrage... I try to live with them. I used to desire a river view... but I see people with water face even more challenges than I can imagine!