How Do You Keep Your Babies

[7L Farm]

I've had my babies for about 6 weeks but I live where there are alot of predators. So far so good. But you never no whats gonna happen. Whats the best advice.

 

[Tdub4chiks]

Read BYC, and then read some more. That's what I've been doing.

 

[hellafarms]

My philosophy is "If the predator can see in..... they can get in"

 

[FiveHens]

Well...it depends. What are your conditions?? The first step is to build a predator-proof run, big enough for them to live in comfortably all day long. Outside of that (figuratively), you could fence a yard area and clip their wings so they don't wander away from the yard, and thus be more prone to attack. Roosters and some dogs are often good flock-guards; or you could let them out of the run and supervise them for short periods of time before putting them back in (that's what we do). I know some BYCers let their flock out to wander once they're home for the afternoon; that way they'll be around in case there's an issue and the chickens'll put themselves back in the coop in a few hours anyway, for night-time. If you're having problems with predators, there are many live traps you can purchase. There really are a number of steps against predators, I just don't know your exact situation.
Good luck!

 

[Muggsmagee]

Get the book "Chickens for Dummies"....written by the BYC founders. Read post after post on this subject here...but that book is great to fall back on.

 

[Mrs. K]

A good fence, and it cannot be just chicken wire. A true predator will come on through just chicken wire alone. Gates are often a point of weakness, check them carefully. Bury the fence line below ground level. And I have something along the top of the ground. While predators will dig straight down and back up, think of a narrow U, they won't dig a long ways horizontally. So if you can keep them from digging right next to your fence, that will help.

The run needs to be totally enclosed. As over the top, but beware, cause snow or ice can build up on that, and tear it down too.

You will figure it out, but usually the hard way. MrsK

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
I used chicken wire but did install hot wire around the coop & run. Will this keep out the predators?

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

Build big and build well. Look at your coop and run with the eyes of a predator. Even the smallest hole can offer a predator access. Dont forget about the smallest predators--mites and lice. Inspect everyone at least once a week for these critters, checking heads, under wings and around vents. Teach them to come to you when you call, giving them treats when they arrive. This is effective for when you need to inspect them and when you see a predator or issue and need them to come to you right away. Observe them, get to know their routine and behaviours so you will know if something is wrong with one of them. We have hawks so I only freerange in the evening. I stand guard while my girls enjoy the fruits of my yard as I have had hawks literally cruise by just over my head looking for a free meal. This is where the calling comes in. I call and they run for me and/or the tractor. Lastly, just enjoy them.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Hot wire, hot wire, hot wire.

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
I've been trying to train them to come to my call but their stubborn. They come but their response time is slow. Maybe in time they will come quicker but by then it maybe to late.I know I need to correct this because winters coming & every predator will be expanding their territory.That's my concern.