Illinois...

[icsd71]

Hi fellow illinois bird lovers. Moultrie county in central illinois.

 

[i love my ducks]

Those of you in Chicago suburbs, what kinds of predators have you encountered? any actually try to get your flock?
I'm trying to determine if I should convert part of my shed to chicken coop, but it butts right up to the chainlink fence in the backyard and doesn't have good visibility behind it.

I haven't seen any raccoons but do have a very occasional possum and skunks.

We lost one of our ducks to a hawk last April. In December, either a coyote, fox, or raccoon attacked our drake, who was on our back porch! Luckily, our daughter heard the commotion and saved the duck! She couldn't tell what was running away. Recently, two foxes came up on the back porch… but this time the duck was inside! Yesterday morning, I watched a very large fox walk down the sidewalk in front of our house. We live in Hinsdale!

We've kept our duck inside most of the winter - he's spoiled and very much a pet! Since the hawk attack, we've been very concerned about letting him roam the back yard (fenced) alone. With all the wildlife in our yard this winter, I'm terrified to let him out when the weather gets warmer.

 

[NotAFarm]

NotAFarm,

Do you know if the Sublette elevator is having another chicken seminar this spring?

Tammy, I talked to Nancy and the elevator will be having something but not until April. I will let you know when I hear more!

 

[Gargoyle]

Those of you in Chicago suburbs, what kinds of predators have you encountered? any actually try to get your flock?
I'm trying to determine if I should convert part of my shed to chicken coop, but it butts right up to the chainlink fence in the backyard and doesn't have good visibility behind it.

I haven't seen any raccoons but do have a very occasional possum and skunks.

Fox Valley, we have every kind of predator. Raccoons are everywhere, even lots of them in the city. We have hawks, coyote, foxes, skunk, cats, stray dogs. Chain link alone isn't enough, raccoons will reach through it and tear up a chicken.You need to wire tie hardware cloth to the chain link, cover the top, and make sure dogs and raccoon can't dig under the fence.

 

[4stakes]

I think I would find a trapper to trap all those critters next fall. I will I lived closer, I would glad to trap them. Good luck.

 

[kfacres]

Any IL peeps have interest at trying their hand at raising meat rabbits? I have two young breeding pairs that I would like to sell, that I hate to butcher. We think that it's time to move on as time doesn't allow much for them. I have a whole bunch of little ones, but I don't mind butchering them.

 

[misbhaven]

what breed of rabbits are they and where are you located and how much are you asking for them?

 

[chikenscratch]

LAke Villa is just next door (basically). I live in Zion.

 

[mmdeford]

LAke Villa is just next door (basically). I live in Zion.

Woohoo- we are neighbors. When do you think you would have some baby Black Orp's available? Maybe 2? Late March/Early April? We are so very excited here.

 

[tbitt]

Quote:
Thanks for asking... I'll try and remember to keep my ears and eyes opened for any announcement.