How to protect my chickens from predators

[Ilene]

Hi all,

Excited to join the group.
I live in Rockland country, NY & plan on getting chickens in the spring. Can't wait.
I will have a coop and a fence around my yard & will allow them to free range during the day.
Besides the coop & fence, any suggestions on improving their safety from predators.
The thought of them being killed is very upsetting & I would like to take whatever precautions are necessary
in order to keep them safe.

Thank you,

Ilene

 

[hungnguyen]

a good dog will keep the varmint away. In addition, there is a product called Nite-Guard, about $20. These are LED lights that used the solar power they collect during the day and starts to flash from dusk to dawn. Get a few and hang outside your fence. Most varmints think these flashing thing are human eyes watching them.

Welcome to the website.

 

[ocap]

I have been pleased with the performance of electric poultry netting. I have a building that the hens go into at night from a free range area that is fenced with a type of netting where every other "wire" is positive and every other one is a ground. The hens have been using this system for three months with no losses. I will not be able to use this system when the snow falls. The cost is about equal to a livestock guard dog. The dog will give your flock a wider area to roam.

 

[All Henned Up]

Welcome and enjoy!
Steve.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

There are a few articles on the most common predators and how to protect your flock in the Learning Center. Look under Maintaining a Healthy Flock. Enjoy the site and best of luck with your chicken ventures!

 

[cypressdrake]

I keep a loud radio playing 24 hours a day in my barn. The hens don't mind. I keep my pens closed up tight. I also walk my dogs around the fence and let them do their business. This sends a message to most small critters.

 

[cypressdrake]

I keep a loud radio playing 24 hours a day in my barn. The hens don't mind. I keep my pens closed up tight. I also walk my dogs around the fence and let them do their business. This sends a message to most small critters.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome to BYC! I second the electric fence and a large dog or two if possible. Check out the Predator and Pest board for ways to tighten security on your setup.