INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Kiniska]

Lots of factors involved....free range vs run vs secure run, especially at night, proximity to wooded areas, amount of rodents and such available to predators, amount of groundcover available to your bird, and even the breeds you keep - more docile birds seem to be easier targets. Like you (knock on wood), I've never lost a bird to a predator. We have woods, but fields surround our immediate property. We have ample field mice and rabbits, based on the "treats" my mostly outdoor cat brings us. We have dogs that'll mark our property. We shut our birds inside a very secure coop at night. And we cross our fingers a lot...lol. We do free range our birds during the day, but they are very good about laying low when hawks are out and about....

I suspect my setup has a lot to do with it. Makes sense though, my barn is in the middle of a field not close to cover for most wild life.

 

[Old Salt 1945]

I really like live traps. It is much easier to shoot the offender when it's in a trap. Additionally, you don't have to stay up all night waiting for it.

John

My Labrador Retriever is VERY interested in the chickens. I don't think she would intentionally kill one, but I am certain she would play rough until it didn't move anymore, then go on to another.
She also LOVES to eat chicken poop.
She was having a snack through the 2" x 4" openings in the fence wire when a buff orpington came over and pecked her nose. I watched for a while and determined that the hen was hunting the dog. As the dog moved back and forth along the fence, the hen followed her and when an opportunity presented itself, pecked her again. First time I've seen a 2# chicken attack a 70# dog.

Just thought I would pass on the info about my saber-tooth attack chicken.

John

 

[danand]

Old salt- that had to be a hoot!!! You should've got a pic!

 

[Old Salt 1945]

Old salt- that had to be a hoot!!! You should've got a pic!

I'll try, but it happens in an instant. My smart phone camera responds in ahhhhh about 5 seconds. That, of course, after finding which pocket I put it in, digging it out, getting it right side up, turning it on, selecting the camera app, composing the shot, preparing to push the button, and watching the chicken get startled by something and abscond.

I could probably get one of the hen stalking the dog. She is very intent, looking for an opportunity to attack the fearsome beast.

John

 

[Old Salt 1945]

Hi everyone!

I have an extra lavender ameracauna cockerel if anyone is looking. He's 12 weeks old. PM if interested -- I'm in NWI.

I would love to have the ameracauna, but you are probably too far away. I am at the 140 mile marker on I-65. Where are you?

John

 

[danand]

Old salt- don't feel bad!! I spend a lot of time walking around with my phone in hand , on and waiting for pics. Then they don't do it!!

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

Hi everyone!

I have an extra lavender ameracauna cockerel if anyone is looking. He's 12 weeks old. PM if interested -- I'm in NWI.

He is very pretty

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

I almost got my brooder down today and I was going to attach a picture but it wont upload. I hadto build it different than I wanted to though, because I had to put in a whole entire differennt building.And it isn't as big as I wanted it to be so i am going to have to build more brooders. That or in spring time not hatch so many chicks...I think i will build more brooders lol.I will try to post pictures tomorrow, hopefully it will let me.

 

[Mother2Hens]

Old salt- don't feel bad!! I spend a lot of time walking around with my phone in hand , on and waiting for pics. Then they don't do it!!

I wished I had a camera handy yesterday. My Jersey Giant walked to the end of the diving board and stood there looking around. It was such a funny sight!

 

[danand]

Well I feel like sleeping with my chickens! I went out to check the younger ones that are out in a pen now. All the neighborhood dogs are barking their %{+€\ off!!! Well the coyotes are running tonight!! Yipping and squealing full blast!!! I'm sleeping with the windows open, flashlights are ready and guns are loaded!!!