How protective are you?

[cmjust0]

In the fall, when the coyote pups are just beginning to go out hunting on their own, the howls seem to be endless.. Mama calls to her pups, and they call back...which reminds another mama to check in, so she howls, then hers howl back, and before you know it, the chilly night air is filled with the sound of coyotes yipping, barking, and howling to one another from every direction.. Seem to be hundreds of them surrounding you at times, all within earshot.

Howling coyotes used to really aggravate our LGD and he'd stay up and bark all night, but he doesn't sweat it anymore. I don't worry, either...I figure if the guard dog doesn't worry, why should I? Afterall, he'll be the one to have to deal with them -- not me!

These days, we usually just stop and listen quietly. It's really an enchanting sound, if you're able to just listen without feeling like you need to be worried. When they really get going, it never ceases to surprise me that there could be so many, so close, yet so rarely ever seen..

Provided you've already taken the proper precautions to prevent them from becoming an issue, I think the howling of the coyotes can be a really neat thing to hear.

 

[WalkingWolf]

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They will attack children and defend their kill. Coyote dog crosses are much more dangerous. Normally a coyote is a shy animal unless it is in prey mode.

 

[threehorses]

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Don't be fooled. Coyotes are clever. They will often do that to lure the dog out to the others that are waiting, then they kill. I'd hate for you to lose your little dog.

 

[MagsC]

The coyotes around here and by my parents house are pretty bold. I saw one going down the street here one morning (we are on the edge of town). It wasnt too perturbed either.
At the family place (its a group of about 6 houses out in the country), they think nothing of hunting in the yards at night. Cats come up missing often if left out in the evening.
We were staying and my daughter went outside at night (forgot the mail) and the pack was right on the road by the mailbox, they were pretty aggressive so she just came back in. I was glad it didnt go any further.
I always used to think coyotes wouldnt go after humans, maybe thats the case with one coyote, but with a pack, I wouldnt place any bets.

 

[Buster52]

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In urban and suburban areas where they have lost the fear of humans they have been known to, but mostly children, I think.

 

[Buster52]

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Don't be fooled. Coyotes are clever. They will often do that to lure the dog out to the others that are waiting, then they kill. I'd hate for you to lose your little dog.

I read an incredible story in a book about LGDs last night about 3 dogs holding off 20 coyotes, killing seven of them. Only one of the dogs made it, but not a single goat (the coyotes' target) was so much as scratched. The owner found the lone remaining dog pacing back in forth in front of the flock, waiting for them to come back.

Anther story is about them luring the dog out and attacking it while the rest of the pack attacked the livestock. Still another story (Internet story, so don't know if it is true) about them sending in a female in heat to draw out a male dog so the rest of them could go after the livestock.

But if coyotes could kill two big LGDs, I'd hate to see what they can do to a little dog. And if they would attack and lose so many of their members, they are obviously not the cowards they are painted to be, particularly when hungry enough.

 

[Boyd]

in 100% agreement buster

Thats why I keep a .22 rifle close by, and my .38 with at least two snake loads in the cylinders.

 

[BigSkyChickens]

I'm jealous of all the fire-power in this thread!

I am way too over-protective. I would sleep outside the run with a big stick if DBF wouldn't think I'd gone off the "Chicken-Deep-End".

I treed some coons about a month ago. I threw shoes at them. HAHA. They weren't really interested in my run & coop - they were simply trying to cross the yard. But it felt really good in a primal sort of way.

 

[TwittyBird]

well where im at ive had trouble with snakes. about two weeks one ate a cockral cochin so fat that he couldnt exit the cage so when he stuck his head out of the cage i choped it off! then on sunday i get a frantic

call from my wife saying that another snake had gotten in with my chicks and was in the process of mouthing my chick

did i mention tht shovels make awsome decapitating tool slimy snake want enjoy that bird! have sence upgraded my pins. my thinking is if the snakes eat all my birds then what am i gonna eat

 

[ChickyLaura]

I live near Hawk Mountain in PA. I won't leave my chickens out to free range, and their run is covered. No problems, thus far. However, our neighbors keep letting their dog and cat out. Yesterday, I saw the cat sitting and looking at my chickens. So, I got all big and bad. My husband started to get up to chase off the cat. I said to him, "No, I'll take care of that cat!". I worked up my courage, and then I.... unraveled the hose. I even turned the water on. The cat must've feared for his life when he saw that water, because he hasn't been back in our yard since.

All kidding aside though, we do have coyotes in the area. I live in town, but then again you never know when raccoons and other predators will show up.