Horses as flock protectors?

[LynneP]

Our horse, Shuffy, adores the hens. He calls them to the edge of their run, whinnies and stomps, advises the world he's their protector. I agree that your sheep was protecting her 'flock'. A miniature donkey or goat would do the same. I guess what I'm saying is that with chickens you either have to have the coop 100% predator proof or guard them. In the long haul, I think it's easier to use hardware cloth to protect them, since you're going to improve your setup anyway!

 

[WildBurroShirts.com]

Quote:
I hope you're right: I've got 3 and they neeeeeeed a job!

I can see the pushy male stomping chickens if he thinks they're eating his food though. And he thinks all the food on the planet it his food.

 

[MariposaMama]

Thanks all.

After some serious discussion, DD and I decided not to chance it and locked them up. It seems like maybe I solved the worst of the problem, though.

The red heat lamp I had burned out, and I was trying to wean the chicks to no light. After three nights of fighting, I gave up and put a yellow bug light in just so everyone could see where the trouble was coming from-and there was no trouble.

Last night when I put them in, they scratched around for the scratch I always put in with them, and there was little to no fussing or fighting. When they had no light, they were trying to cram into two certain corners. With the light, and another roosting board, they were spread out and happy as could be. Guess my chicks are just afraid of the dark.